Digital intelligence takes many forms: artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, data science, you name it. Within Datacadabra, we use almost all forms, depending on the client's needs. For example, the MowHawk is an application to mow roadsides smarter, and an example of Computer Vision using image recognition. A project with a completely different technical focus is the Luistervinq, an application to map the use of outdoor spaces, as it uses sound recognition instead of image recognition. This already shows a little more of the technical differences that exist within Datacadabra, but to get a little clearer on this, we asked Vincent Nibbelke a few questions.
Introducing
Vincent Nibbelke is Lead Computer Vision and Machine Learning Engineer at Datacadabra, and he is responsible for computer vision systems. A mouthful of technical terms, but this includes everything from figuring out hardware for a proof of concept that Datacadabra builds, to the design and development of our Digital Intelligence Framework, as well as designing and training models for automated image recognition.
What does your workday entail?
A typical working day for Vincent begins with a standup with the team to see who will be working on what and to be able to solve any problems together. 'After that, my day often varies. One day I'm figuring out certain aspects and programming, while another day I'm brainstorming with a client about a solution direction for a new project. I also help everyone get going and stay going so we can make as many cool things as possible.'
Vincent is currently working on a new internal project within Datacadabra, setting up his own products framework. 'This is a framework for the standardized deployment of image recognition systems. This way we don't have to reinvent the wheel for every project and we can better guarantee the stability of our systems this way, and monitor it of course.'
'I find the variety and impact of my work incredibly cool'
Pride-making and impactful work
When asked what he likes most about his job, he says it is the variety of technology and communication, along with the impact of his work: "The variety ensures that you are always having fun and always have something new to do. It's also really nice to work with such a great team of fun and motivated people to create something really cool! And of course the occasional lame joke to tell. I can recommend it to anyone as long as you have passion for what you do and love AI and data science! The fact that you can have a social impact by developing new things and then see them working in practice in the foreseeable future is really incredibly cool!
Vincent also says he is very proud of the work that Datacadabra is putting down, especially the MowHawk: 'To go from zero to a fully working solution for smart roadside management with a small team in 9 months, during a Corona pandemic. After all, it's always the best when you can do something everyone else thinks is impossible!'
This will hopefully make it a little clearer what the job of a Computer Vision and Machine Learning engineer entails at Datacadabra. So Vincent is both behind the scenes programming and training models, and on the front end where he interacts with customers and manages his colleagues. In short, what Datacadabra does is merge different digital intelligence forms, developing from idea to a final product that no one expected!
