Video: 10 Minute IT Jams - Who is Torutek?

A New Zealand software company is using artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) to transform industries from gaming to energy management and public transport.

Hamilton-based ToroTech has quietly become a major player with its advanced facial recognition systems, smart IoT devices and integrated solutions, CEO Chris You revealed in an interview. The company's technology is already used across New Zealand and Australia, including by major gaming operators and for energy management in thousands of Kiwi homes.

Speaking to TechDay, Chris You described ToroTech as a "solution provider offering both software and hardware", focusing on two key areas: artificial intelligence (AI) - with an emphasis on facial recognition - and sophisticated IoT platforms. "We're a one-stop shop provider for our customer as well, from concept development to scalable production deployment," he said.

In the AI space, ToroTech leads the market with its facial recognition product dubbed Guardian, which has seen strong uptake in New Zealand's gaming sector. "Our facial recognition solutions include both hardware, such as cameras installed on-site, and software that runs in Microsoft Azure," You explained.

The drive to adopt facial recognition in gaming comes from government regulations aimed at curbing problem gambling. Venues must ensure that self-excluded players cannot enter, a daunting task traditionally managed by staff flicking through thick photo books. "It's nearly impossible for someone to learn and remember a hundred-plus faces at the venue," You said.

ToroTech's system automates this process, using what You called "the world's best and proven AI recognition engine... at its core", to give operators confidence they are meeting their obligations. "We provide an end-to-end, one-stop-shop village solution," he explained, adding that support does not end after installation. "From the camera they install inside to ongoing support of the overall solution."

A key element behind the system is ToroTech's purpose-built IoT node, which carries out preliminary image processing on-site to increase efficiency and privacy before sending data for analysis. The associated database is built to the ISO 27001 security standard, a point You says is essential for handling sensitive personal information.

When asked who relies on their systems, You replied, "The ToroTech facial recognition solution is trusted by the gaming operators in New Zealand here. So top ten of the ten gaming operators use our solution, including the largest which is New Zealand Community Trusts."

ToroTech's reach is expanding across the Tasman as well. "We currently have deployments in South Australia and ACT," You said, mentioning a prominent casino group using the solution "in all their casinos in Australia and New Zealand." Government agencies are also adopting the technology, with New Zealand's Ministry of Health selecting ToroTech for the national problem gambler database, and South Australian authorities approving the system for use in gaming venues across the state.

Turning to IoT, You was quick to dispel the notion that connected devices are only about volume. "For our applications, we're targeting fewer devices, but much higher value and capability devices," he said. "It's not just collecting data - that's not good enough for a product to be successful. It needs a full platform built around it to turn data into real insights."

Health and safety are key drivers of demand for IoT solutions, and ToroTech's cloud-based system offers "peace of mind" for customers. The company has made it "super easy" to connect devices to its platform, providing flexibility across sectors.

You gave three recent case studies demonstrating ToroTech's IoT expertise. The first was the deployment of an indoor tracking system in London's Bishopsgate building, the city's second-tallest skyscraper. "We deployed an indoor tracking solution there with 500-plus indoor beacons for all of the 62 floors... Our platform monitored the location and the safety of the people who work in the building," he said.

Back in New Zealand, ToroTech partnered with Auckland Transport to improve bus services. "We provide a solution to enable connectivity on the buses, such as providing back-end communication to the Auckland Transport Hop ticketing system and also the hardware on the bus to enable audio announcements and virtual display to improve accessibility of public transport," You said. The system also captures bus location data in real time, allowing the network to predict arrival times more accurately.

One of the firm's most exciting projects, according to You, is in solar energy management. "Solar is the best way to meet the world's growing energy needs and solar energy is just everywhere. We need a smart way to manage it and that's exactly what we do," he commented. ToroTech's IoT devices track in real time how much electricity is being used, how much solar energy is generated, and how much is stored in home batteries. Working closely with multinational partners, ToroTech's platform supports large-scale installation of solar battery solutions across New Zealand, now being rolled out in about 2,500 homes annually.

The company's base remains in Hamilton, but with nationwide and international ambitions, its engineering team is growing. "We have quite a bit of key kind of engineer, both for developing software and firmware for our customers," You said.

Expressing optimism for the future, You concluded, "Thank you so much for listening and I hope it's useful to you and feel free to get in touch... This is an amazing opportunity for us. We appreciate you arranging this."