Blog

AI that can teach itself

An ongoing challenge to creating robust object detection algorithms is their thirst for large datasets. Thanks to transfer learning, rapid prototypes are possible with as little as 10 images, thanks to weeks of pre-training, and can be trained in as little as one hour!   Of course, to create a more robust algorithm, large datasets are required from a wide range of environments, to help the AI generalise to new contexts. Annotation (the process of Read more…

By lucastamatescu, ago

eGPU

External GPU (eGPU) As part of my AI Program of Work, I recently acquired a Razer Core v2 eGPU housing, with a NVIDIA Titan Xp graphics card. eGPUs allow for portable graphics cards, to enable or further augment devices lackign in computational power. This is a fantastic tool, as it can turn low spec laptops into AI workstations! I have been using it in conjunction with my Razer Blade laptop (pictured in the background) over Read more…

By lucastamatescu, ago

Augmented Reality Piggy Bank

My favourite aspect of augmented reality (AR) is how it blurs the distinction between the physical and digital worlds. I was asked as part of an innovation exercise to develop a rapid prototype of how AR could apply to banking. To children, receiving pocket money to a bank account just isn’t as tangible as receiving cash (though this may be changing through increased exposure to digital devices and gamification!). Younger children also tend to prioritise Read more…

By lucastamatescu, ago

MaskRCNNs for Object Detection

MaskRCNNs for Object Detection MaskRCNN is a region-based convolutional neural network, used for object detection. What makes this algorithm cutting edge is the ability to perform detections using a mask (outline of the object), not just by drawing a bounding box around the object of interest. By identifying each pixel related to the object of interest, a new range of applications are now possible. This could be rust, hire car damage or potholes in roads! Read more…

By lucastamatescu, ago

Flying COWs! Telstra’s Cell on Wings

Cell on Wings My colleague, Peter Jones, heads up Telstra’s RPAS program (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System). He showcased Telstra’s Cell on Wings at the MilCIS conference recently, demonstrating an innovative new approach to disaster recovery and telecommunications. Telstra’s Pulse Aerospace Vapor 55 Helicopter The Cell on Wings is an experimental prototype, in its second generation, focussed on the rapid recovery of Telstra’s network in the case of natural disasters, which may damage cell towers. The Read more…

By lucastamatescu, ago

MilCIS 2018

MilCIS I had the opportunity to travel to Canberra, and represent Telstra Labs at MilCIS (Military Communications and Information Systems Conference). I was joined by my colleague Peter Jones, representing the Telstra UAV program, as well as Telstra Track and Monitor, Readify (Telstra consulting company), and Telstra Liberate Your Workforce (Office 365). I demonstrated an example of the MaskRCNN, and discussed the pipeline of data capture from the displayed helicopter, ingestion into a big data Read more…

By lucastamatescu, ago

HALIA – Lightning Impact Assessments

Project HALIA is a joint project between Telstra, QANTAS and Microsoft that was showcased at MilCIS 2018. It was work on by my colleague Gagan Singh, who leads Media & Immersive Experiences (Mixed Reality) in our team. A colleague of mine, Gagan Singh, helped build and develop the application together with Readify, a consulting company within Telstra. The application is targeting at reducing inspection times of aircraft that are struck by lightning. If a lightning Read more…

By lucastamatescu, ago

Cruzr as an Usher

Cruzr acted as an Usher during a pilot trial for the Muru-D Golden Ticket Event. During this event Cruzr acted like an auxiliary staff member that actively greeted guests with maps based on the event agenda as well as helped guide them to the correct exits at the end of the night. This experience was created by Dhruv Divekar, a graduate in my team, as part of the Telstra Humanoids Program. The engagement with the Read more…

By lucastamatescu, ago

2 Day Ideation Workshop for Humanoid Use Cases

I was part of a 2 day humanoids workshop, run as part of the CTO technology team, focussed on identifying compelling use cases for humanoids within enterprise applications. It included representation from HR, Workplace Relations, Legal, Compliance & Risk and CTO Technology and Innovation. The first day examined the ethical, employee and legal implications whilst the second day focused on ideation of uses cases. The overall success of the week could be attributed to the Read more…

By lucastamatescu, ago

Confined Spaces UAVs

A colleague of mine, Peter Jones, has acquired an Elios inspection drone as part of the Telstra RPAS Program. He has flown some initial familiarisation missions inside some air ducts within the 242 Exhibition St Telstra building. The drone itself is quite unique to operate and requires different skills, training and risk considerations. High definition and thermal video is automatically recorded for post analysis along with flight telemetry. Powerful LEDs illuminate the scene. Peter will Read more…

By lucastamatescu, ago