Derq and FLIR Systems Collaborate on MDOT V2X Safety Project in Detroit

DETROIT - June 6, 2018 - Derq, a company developing innovative technologies that will help eliminate traffic crashes and save lives, launched two of its V2X applications as part of a Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the PlanetM Startup Grant pilot in downtown Detroit.

Located at Jefferson Avenue and Randolph Street, Derq software monitors vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-pedestrian interactions to predict and prevent collisions. Derq uses its patented Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms to create up to 2 additional seconds of warning for vehicles and drivers. In Detroit, Derq will initially focus on vehicle and pedestrian-related risks around intersections.

As part of this deployment, Derq worked with MDOT to select and install sensors on the intersection. These sensors provide data feeds for Derq to run its software applications, generate predictions, and communicate threats in real-time. Derq selected FLIR Systems’ thermal imaging and combined visible/radar sensors in this deployment.

“We’re extremely excited to be collaborating with FLIR on this Detroit program, and to use Derq’s AI software capabilities to predict road incidents before they happen,” said Dr. Georges Aoude, Derq’s CEO & Co-Founder. “The intersection of Jefferson and Randolph represents one of the most challenging for pedestrians and cars in the city, and is also one of the most prominent locations. It’s a complex intersection connecting major roads and highways, as well as the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. With such dense vehicle and pedestrian traffic, using FLIR sensors to feed our models gives us great confidence in our ability to demonstrate how Derq V2X applications can make Detroit roads safer.”

“At FLIR, we are committed to sensor systems that can help save lives and livelihoods,” said Travis Merrill, President of the Commercial Business Unit at FLIR. “We are excited to provide FLIR V2X thermal and visible/radar sensors as part of Derq’s safety project with the Michigan Department of Transportation.”

Derq is showcasing its technology at the ITS America Conference in Detroit from June 4-7, and sees this deployment as an opportunity to continue growing inside Michigan with the continued support from organizations like PlanetM.

For more information on Derq or its AI V2X systems, please reach out to Derq at contact@derq.com.  

About Derq
Derq is on a mission to eliminate road accidents and save lives by using artificial intelligence and V2X technology. Through its proprietary technology Derq can predict and help prevent road collisions for both conventional and autonomous vehicles leveraging smart citiy and connected vehicle ecosystems. Derq was founded in 2016. The company is headquartered in Dubai with a US headquarters in Detroit. To learn more, visit: www.derq.com and follow @DerqAI.

About FLIR Systems
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Wilsonville, Oregon, FLIR Systems is a world-leading maker of sensor systems that enhance perception and heighten awareness, helping to save lives, improve productivity, and protect the environment. Through its nearly 3,500 employees, FLIR's vision is to be "The World's Sixth Sense" by leveraging thermal imaging and adjacent technologies to provide innovative, intelligent solutions for security and surveillance, environmental and condition monitoring, outdoor recreation, machine vision, navigation, and advanced threat detection. For more information, please visit www.flir.com and follow @flir.