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Monday June 16 2025
Chess dynamics' Vision4ce Tracking Technology Demonstrates Outstanding Performance at Dstl Trials
Advanced AI-driven tracking system successfully tested against multiple dynamic targets in challenging conditions
Chess dynamics' Vision4ce Tracking Technology Demonstrates Outstanding Performance at Dstl Trials
Chess Dynamics, part of the Cohort plc Group, has successfully demonstrated the exceptional capabilities of its Vision4ce Deep Embedded Feature Tracking (DEFT) technology during the comprehensive WINTERMUTE 3 trial with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
The rigorous testing event provided one of the most challenging scenarios possible, featuring multiple targets including sea vessels, helicopters, drones and land vehicles operating simultaneously in cluttered backgrounds with varied visibility conditions. Chess Dynamics' Vision4ce tracking software, deployed on the Hawkeye Multi Sensor (Hawkeye MS), delivered robust performance that met high expectations across both daylight and infrared sensors, even when contrast was low.
The DEFT AI algorithm demonstrated exceptional tracking capability, maintaining robust target lock in complex and cluttered environments while adapting dynamically to changes in contrast, target size, orientation and movement patterns. The system's fine-grain classification capability distinguished between different vessel types - a critical requirement for autonomous navigation and maritime law applications.
Key performance highlights included:
- Outstanding closed-loop performance with highly dynamic targets, showcasing the advanced capabilities of both the Hawkeye MS platform and Vision4ce technology
- Market-leading infrared capability with clean, low-noise imagery that clearly identified thermal signatures and points of interest
- Robust all-weather performance maintaining detection and tracking capabilities across varied environmental conditions
- Reduced operator burden through intuitive joypad controller interface and reliable tracking once targets are selected
The Hawkeye MS proved extremely reliable, robust and accurate throughout the week-long trials
The Hawkeye MS proved extremely reliable, robust and accurate throughout the week-long trials, which included daily dismantling and setup procedures, with no technical issues encountered. The platform's precision movement capabilities and strong motors effectively counteracted wind conditions while maintaining exact positioning.
Steve Hogg, Director of Image Processing at Chess Dynamics, said: "These trials validated our Vision4ce technology's exceptional performance in real-world conditions and confirmed we are very close to achieving 'point and shoot' capability with high-quality data on auto mode, requiring minimal operator training.
“The DEFT tracking system's ability to maintain accurate target identification and tracking in such challenging multi-target scenarios demonstrates our market-leading position in AI-driven surveillance solutions. This performance validation builds crucial credibility beyond our internal testing and proves our technology is ready to meet the evolving demands of modern defence applications."
The successful trials enabled Chess Dynamics to identify specific failure cases, driving a streamlined and automated process for rapid iteration, development and deployment of enhanced AI models. The comprehensive testing provided rare opportunities to validate system ease-of-use and gather critical user feedback from military end-users.
A DSTL Spokesperson commented, "We were delighted to be able to try out Chess's object detection and tracking system at WINTERMUTE 3 trial which provided a challenging set of multiple fast crossing and weaving boats. The joypad controller interface is very natural and intuitive to use, and we were impressed with the rock-solid tracking once a boat was selected.”
DEFT represents Chess Dynamics' latest advancement in real-time video and image processing solutions for electro-optic systems, designed to provide advanced autonomous capabilities while reducing training requirements and operational complexity.
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