Anurag Kanungo, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Voxel

Envisioning Safer Warehouses

As an autonomy engineer in Uber’s advanced technologies group, Anurag Kanungo (SCS 2016) realized two things: He was part of one of the most progressive and innovative uses of computer vision technology, and the tech’s potential was far-reaching.

“I noted that there was a lot of value in applying this technology in industrial environments where there's a lot of risk,” Anurag says. “I started thinking, ‘Can we apply computer vision to prevent injuries?’”

To answer that question, Anurag co-founded Voxel with three others, including fellow Tartan in the Rise Harishma Dayanidhi. Voxel is a site-visibility platform that syncs with a factory’s existing security camera system to monitor risks. Using AI, the technology monitors workers’ ergonomics to prevent bending or lifting injuries; looks for spills or speeding forklifts that could cause an accident; and makes sure the right personal protection equipment is being used.

Prevention is key.

Having a set of vigilant computer eyes on an operation can detect circumstances that lead to an accident before it happens — reducing workplace accidents and the human and financial costs that go with them.

Dozens of companies across numerous industries have adopted the technology, and the impressive results earned Voxel a spot on Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in AI of 2023 list.

“We see upward of 80% reduction in injuries,” he says. “It's not just that we are helping corporations reduce their costs and risks. We are doing something really valuable for the people who work in these locations, so that they can go home safely every night.”

Story by Elizabeth Speed