Smarter Vegetation Management with Indra den Bakker from Overstory
Impact AI
Developing Machine Learning Products or Features
This chapter explores the process of developing machine learning products or features, including problem statement, research, user feedback, and translating machine learning outputs into actionable steps.
Monitoring and analyzing vegetation near power lines is an essential part of ensuring the safety, reliability, and environmental sustainability of electrical grids. It helps utilities identify and address potential issues before they become emergencies, benefiting both the utility companies and the communities they serve.
I sat down with Indra den Bakker, CEO and Co-founder of Overstory, to discuss how they are revolutionizing the sector using machine learning (ML) and satellite imagery to improve infrastructure management, specifically in the context of vegetation. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the challenges that come with satellite imagery, such as varying resolutions, lighting conditions, and geographic differences, and how Overstory navigates these hurdles to provide accurate and actionable insights. Indra delves into the iterative development process at Overstory, offering advice for AI startups and highlighting the importance of staying focused and prioritizing real-world problem-solving. To discover how Overstory uses leading indicators to track its success, hear Indra's vision for the future, and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of AI in addressing real-world challenges and shaping a more sustainable future, don’t miss this episode!
Key Points:
- Indra’s background in computational intelligence and his decision to create Overstory.
- Overstory’s overall mission and purpose (and why it is important.)
- How machine learning is the backbone of Overstory's technology.
- The challenges associated with using satellite imagery.
- Insight into the iterative development process at Overstory.
- Balancing deadlines with the need for research and development.
- Attracting talent by leveraging the company’s mission.
- Overstory’s approach to training new hires.
- Measuring Overstory’s impact and what leading indicators are used.
- Advice for AI startups: stay focused on solving real-world problems.
- Breaking down the future outlook for Overstory with Indra.
Quotes:
“Machine learning is really the backbone of our technology. It helps us to analyze vast amounts of data [and] satellite imagery.” — Indra den Bakker
“We can create a beautiful, very accurate map of all the species in the world but if that’s not actionable to our customers then there’s no use to it.” — Indra den Bakker
“R&D is part of our DNA and what we deliver to our customers and that will always be a large part of, at least from an engineering [standpoint], a large part of the work [we do].” — Indra den Bakker
“Stay focused on solving real-world problems.” — Indra den Bakker
Links:
Resources for Computer Vision Teams:
LinkedIn – Connect with Heather.
Computer Vision Insights Newsletter – A biweekly newsletter to help bring the latest machine learning and computer vision research to applications in people and planetary health.
Computer Vision Strategy Session – Not sure how to advance your computer vision project? Get unstuck with a clear set of next steps. Schedule a 1 hour strategy session now to advance your project.
Computer Vision Advisory Services – Monthly advisory services to help you strategically plan your CV/ML capabilities, reduce the trial-and-error of model development, and get to market faster.
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