AWL Achieves Significant Milestone at IEEE ICIP 2025 Conference in Alaska

Introduction
AWL Corporation, an innovative startup originating from Hokkaido University, has reached a remarkable milestone by having a paper accepted at the upcoming 2025 IEEE International Conference on Image Processing (IEEE ICIP), scheduled to take place from September 14 to 18, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska. Renowned for its initiatives in developing core technologies for image recognition and edge AI camera solutions, AWL is also recognized for its significant contributions with the NEDO Chairman's Award at the 'University Venture Awards 2024'.

IEEE ICIP Conference Overview
The IEEE ICIP is one of the largest and most highly regarded international conferences in the fields of image processing and computer vision. With over a thousand submissions from around the world each year, it stands out as a rigorous platform where approximately 40% of the papers are accepted. The fact that AWL's paper was selected serves as a testament to its advanced technological capabilities and research excellence on a global scale.

Research Paper Details
The paper presented by AWL is titled GRID-LOGAT: Grid Based Local and Global Area Transcription for Video Question Answering, co-authored by Md Intisar Chowdhury, Kittinun Aukkapinyo, Hiroshi Fujimura, Joo Ann Woo, Wasu Wasusatein, and Fadoua Ghourabi, with Chowdhury and Aukkapinyo designated as joint lead authors due to their equal contributions.

In this paper, AWL highlights the role of visual language models (VLM) in enhancing video understanding via local devices. They introduce a novel method named GRID-LOGAT, which involves splitting images into grid lines for integrated processing of local and global area information. This innovation is expected to significantly elevate image and language processing in the emergence of generative AI technologies.

Moreover, GRID-LOGAT emphasizes processing on local devices, thereby achieving a balance between privacy protection and high-precision image recognition. By minimizing dependence on cloud services, this approach also contributes to reducing energy consumption, making it a sustainable choice in today’s technological landscape.

Practical Applications and Future Prospects
This technology is geared towards practical implementations in real-world settings, such as retail and facilities management, where it can enhance security measures and operational efficiency. AWL’s push towards solving societal problems through edge AI is symbolized in this groundbreaking achievement, reflecting their commitment to innovation and excellence in the tech space.

NEDO Deep Tech Startup Support
It is noteworthy that AWL is a recipient of the 2023 NEDO Deep Tech Startup Support Fund, which has been a crucial factor in facilitating their research and development efforts. This success is not merely an endpoint but a vital milestone in their long-term vision for practical applications of technology in society.

About AWL Corporation
AWL is a pioneering startup known for its cutting-edge edge AI video analysis technologies, particularly in the retail sector. They collaborate with local businesses, such as the drugstore chain Satsudora, to provide tailored solutions at high quality and low cost. Their proprietary AI technology enhances human capabilities by enabling real-time visualization of people and real spaces, addressing numerous societal challenges.

Since its inception, AWL has aimed to bolster its global reach and has successfully attracted top talent from approximately 20 countries, with around 90% of their engineering team comprised of international professionals. The diverse hiring practices extend to the management level, ensuring a company culture rich in diversity reminiscent of the dynamic environment found in Silicon Valley.

Contact Information
For inquiries, please contact:
AWL Corporation
Address: 2-24-4 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan
Email: [email protected]
Website: AWL Corporation