Software Localization Strategies

NVIDIA just dropped the LocateAnything VLM model. Here is the direct architectural breakdown: The Problem Most Vision-Language Models (VLMs) are terrible at spitting out coordinates quickly. They formulate visual grounding as a sequential task, predicting bounding boxes token by token. This strictly sequential generation creates a massive inference bottleneck. The Fix: Parallel Box Decoding (PBD) NVIDIA introduces Parallel Box Decoding, which treats a bounding box (or a point) as a single atomic unit. Instead of generating coordinates one by one, the framework predicts the entire coordinate set simultaneously in a single forward pass. The Architecture Vision Encoder: Utilizes a MoonViT encoder to extract visual tokens at their native resolution, which preserves fine-grained spatial details. Language Decoder: Powered by a Qwen2.5 language decoder. The Bridge: An MLP projector connects the two, converting visual tokens directly into block-level predictions. The Results To train this, NVIDIA curated LocateAnything-Data, a massive dataset with 138 million queries and 785 million bounding boxes. The result is a model that preserves high-IoU localization accuracy while delivering up to 2.5× higher throughput compared to older autoregressive methods. Paper: https://lnkd.in/g-s2WmYm Live demo on Huggingface: https://lnkd.in/gf_yp7ke #ComputerVision #EdgeAI #Robotics #MachineLearning #NVIDIA #DeepTech

Globalization didn’t end. It fractured. In my latest Harvard Business Review article, authored with my Accenture colleagues Tomas Castagnino and Giju Mathew, we make the case that in today’s world, “localization” isn’t a surface-level adjustment, it’s an operating model shift. Trade rules are fragmenting. Data sovereignty is tightening. Governments increasingly expect R&D, production, data, and critical capabilities to sit inside national borders. The winning multinationals are evolving into what we call the multipolar company; a globally coordinated enterprise built as a network of regionally embedded businesses. Three moves separate leaders from laggards: 1. Rooted regional capabilities (real autonomy, not just presence) 2. Shaping rules and ecosystems (trusted partner, not just market participant) 3. Collective AI-enhanced intelligence (an “enterprise digital brain” that moves at front-line speed) In a fractured world, advantage comes from belonging everywhere, not scaling one model everywhere. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gMKDphsy Manish Sharma

I built a ROS 2 visual-inertial localization and mapping stack. Stereo cameras, IMU data, AprilTags, optimization with GTSAM, RealSense, offline mapping tools, dense fusion with nvblox, and RViz visualization. The goal wasn’t to make a perfect SLAM system. It was to understand the real architecture: sensor pipelines, frontend/backend separation, logging, optimization, mapping, and the details you only run into when building the system yourself.
 I wrote a post describing the project and results. The GitHub repo also has detailed readmes if you want to dig deeper. https://lnkd.in/gzs7J8UD #ROS2 #ComputerVision #Robotics #SLAM #Odometry #Mapping #OpenSource #Realsense #GTSAM

From Globalization to “GLOCALIZATION” and how beauty brands are turning this into profits. Why is local culture going viral in the global beauty market? For decades, beauty branding aimed for universality, clean, minimal, borderless aesthetics designed to appeal to everyone. Today, the opposite is happening: hyper-local culture is becoming globally desirable. >Sociological drivers → Identity in a fragmented world People now value roots over reach, where cultural specificity signals depth, authenticity, and humanity. At the same time, social media amplifies niche cultures, turning local rituals into global trends and proving that the more local something is, the more it can resonate worldwide. In this context, culturally rich brands act as social currency, helping consumers express identity, taste, and discovery. >Psychological drivers → Why local feels better Consumers use mental shortcuts to judge trust, and “local” signals authenticity through craft, heritage, transparency, and care. It also balances novelty and familiarity, exotic yet understandable, especially in beauty through regional ingredients and modernized rituals. Finally, local narratives create emotional anchoring, as stories are remembered more than features. >Behavioral drivers → Why it spreads Local culture spreads because it is built for sharing, discovery, and habit formation. Discovery culture adds momentum, as finding niche brands or traditional ingredients creates insider status and fuels word-of-mouth. Finally, embedded rituals and multi-step routines deepen engagement, increase perceived value, and turn products into lasting habits. >>10 steps to translating insight into strategy<< 1.-Move to authority by grounding the brand in a real place or tradition 2.-Showcase real people, craftsmanship, and processes 3.-Build a strong cultural manifesto with local collaboration 4.-Add subtle native language and cultural cues 5.-Turn culture into product performance, not just storytelling 6.-Use heritage ingredients with proven efficacy 7.-Reframe rituals into simple, modern skincare routines 8.-Encode culture in packaging through abstraction over literal imagery 9.-Use authentic design systems (color, texture, typography) 10.-Avoid clichés, stereotypes, and overly “touristic” aesthetics Culture as a competitive advantage Local culture is going viral because it fulfills deep needs for identity, authenticity, discovery, and connection. In beauty, this is a chance to move beyond surface differentiation and build meaningful, defensible brands rooted in real cultural narratives. The future won’t belong to brands that look global, but to those that feel real, and real always comes from somewhere specific. Featured brands: Alima Pure Cocoon Apothecary Dr. Alkaitis Herbivore Botanicals Inika Organic Juvia’s Place Kora Organics L:A Bruket Sol de Janeiro Tata Harper Viori #beautybusiness #beautyprofessionals #marketingprofessionals #localitzation #glocalitzation #genZ

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from building businesses in Saudi Arabia is the power of what I call glocalization, which is the art of blending global strategies with local market insights. For brands to thrive in today’s interconnected world, they need to balance the strengths of global expertise while staying deeply connected to the local culture. Here’s how glocalization can help create a brand that resonates with Saudi consumers while positioning it for regional and global growth: 𝟏. 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭: Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid transformation, but local values and cultural nuances still drive consumer behavior. Understanding these insights allows you to tailor your offering to meet local expectations while leveraging global best practices. 𝟐. 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 & 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲: When I worked at Majorel and now with X-Shift, we focused on embedding our brand into the local fabric by being authentic and owning our Saudi identity. Localization is not just about the translation of material to Arabic, but about relevance and creating real connections with consumers. 𝟑. 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬: Don’t just import a strategy. Make it yours. While global frameworks provide a solid foundation, they need to be adapted to fit the unique needs of the local market. Successful brands take the best of both worlds. 𝟒. 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡: Once you’ve built a strong local presence, you’re ready to scale. By aligning your brand with local needs, you set yourself up for expansion into regional markets with similar cultural touchpoints then later realize your global ambitions. There’s no universal formula for success, but the key is finding the perfect balance. My experience building businesses in Saudi Arabia has taught me that success comes from creating something that truly resonates with people where they are, all while thinking ambitiously. When you master this balance, you build a brand that is not only deeply connected to its local roots but also flexible and ready to thrive on the global stage. What strategies have you found most effective in balancing local relevance with global ambition? Share your thoughts in the comments! #business #global #local #growth #KSA #SaudiArabia

I recently shared insights with SPH Media's Lianhe Zaobao 联合早报 on OpenAI's decision to restrict API access in China. As an MBA graduate from Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, with experience in both Western and Chinese tech landscapes, I'd like to offer a comprehensive perspective on this development and its global implications. Key takeaways and deeper insights: 1) 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: OpenAI's restrictions may catalyze China's AI industry rather than hinder it. Chinese tech giants and emerging AI companies are already capitalizing on this opportunity to attract displaced OpenAI users. 2) 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: While core LLM technology is similar globally, the real value lies in cultural adaptation: ● Western models align with Western perspectives ● Chinese models are tailored to local cultural norms and values. This trend extends beyond China, with projects like Singapore's SEA-LION developing AI models for Southeast Asian languages and cultures. 3) 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐈 𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: We may see an increasingly divided AI landscape reflecting geopolitical tensions, potentially leading to region-specific AI models for global enterprises. This could result in distinct AI ecosystems tailored to local markets, values, and regulations. 4) 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐬𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The restrictions highlight the growing importance of data sovereignty, with countries prioritizing AI models trained on local data for cultural relevance and regulatory compliance. 5) 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬: Multinational corporations may need to adapt their AI approaches, potentially using different models for different markets. This could increase complexity in global tech operations and spur innovation through regional competition. These developments underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of the evolving global AI landscape. My experience in both Western and Chinese tech environments provides a unique lens through which to analyze these trends and their implications for businesses worldwide. I'm open to further discussions, keynote speaking opportunities, or interviews on this critical topic. Let's explore how these changes in the AI landscape will shape the future of technology and business globally. Link to full article: https://lnkd.in/g3h3U9Zc What are your thoughts on the future of AI development across different regions? How might this impact global innovation and cross-cultural collaboration in tech? #AI #GlobalTech #AIInnovation #TechStrategy #ChineseAI

Every global brand wants to win new markets. But too often, they bring their well-worn playbook, not their empathy. What travels across borders is not messaging. It’s meaning. And meaning only travels when it’s carried by culture. After two decades of building brands and partnerships across Asia for companies like Unilever, Amazon and Netflix, one lesson has stayed consistent: Global scale without hyperlocal cultural intelligence leads to beautiful (and expensive) failure. 🙃 Because marketing doesn’t exist in a vacuum of data and creativity- it exists in living, breathing culture. In the values, humour, rituals, lived experiences and aspirations that define a place and its people. In the Middle East, this is amplified. A region where tradition and transformation coexist so beautifully- where audiences crave brands that both understand their proud heritage and reflect their increasingly modern identity, while staying true to the codes of culture. The future of growth here won’t be built on louder campaigns or larger budgets. It will be built on CULTURAL FLUENCY- on brands that can: 1. Decode the local context, not just translate the copy. 2. Localize emotion and clothe the brand speak with that texture. Execution is easy thereafter. 3. Empower local creators and communities as cultural co-authors. Leaders who invest in deeply understanding the local context before broadcasting will be the ones who build brands that endure- not because they adapt to every market, but because they belong in each one. 😃 Because when brands lead with cultural intelligence, they don’t just drive performance- they drive preference. #BrandStrategy #Leadership #MENAMarketing #GlobalToLocal #MarketingTransformation #CulturalIntelligence

We are excited to share our #RAL2025 paper "Drift-free Visual SLAM using Digital Twins"! We remove drift in #VSLAM by aligning the sparse 3D point cloud from VSLAM to a Digital Twin using point-to-plane matching; no visual data association is needed! The result? Accurate, globally consistent localization, even without GPS. Code released! PDF: https://lnkd.in/gRdGpcfX Video: https://lnkd.in/g-m7RMr6 Code: https://lnkd.in/gqjqeT6g Kudos to Roxane MERAT, Giovanni Cioffi, Leonard Bauersfeld! University of Zurich, University of Zurich Faculty of Science, UZH Department of Informatics, European Research Council (ERC), AUTOASSESS, UZH Innovation Hub #SLAM, #Localization, #DigitalTwins

ROS 2 Monocular Visual SLAM [1]. This ROS 2 package (slam_ros2) implements a feature-based monocular Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) system. The project processes a simulated camera feed from a video file, reconstructs the camera's trajectory, and builds a 3D map of the environment. The core SLAM logic is self-contained and communicates with the ROS 2 ecosystem for data input and visualization. Key Features:  - Video Publisher: A node to publish video frames and camera info, simulating a live camera feed.   - Core SLAM Node: The main node that orchestrates the SLAM process.   - Feature Extraction & Matching: Uses ORB features and a Brute-Force matcher with ratio and symmetry tests.  - Pose Estimation & Tracking: Initializes with recoverPose and tracks frame-to-frame.  - 3D Landmark Triangulation: Creates new 3D map points from 2D feature matches.  - Backend Optimization: Implements bundle adjustment using g2o to refine camera poses and the 3D map.  - Map Maintenance: Culls unstable or poorly observed landmarks.  - Visualization: Publishes the camera's trajectory, current pose, and the 3D point cloud map for viewing in RViz.  - Launch File: Provides a simple way to start the entire system with a single command. #ros #ros2 #opensource #robot #robotics #navigation #slam #localization #mapping [1] https://lnkd.in/dTctWhPN

Visual localization is powerful but building a usable map can take minutes, hours, or worse. What if mapping and relocalization happened in a single forward pass? Niantic Spatial, Inc. and University of Oxford present "A Scene is Worth a Thousand Features: Feed-Forward Camera Localization from a Collection of Image Features" This work introduces FastForward, a camera localization framework that creates a scene representation and estimates the pose of a query image on-the-fly in a single feed-forward pass. Instead of relying on costly map construction pipelines, the method represents multiple mapping images as a collection of visual features anchored in 3D space. These mapping features are used to predict image-to-scene correspondences for the query image, enabling efficient camera pose estimation. FastForward combines this representation with image retrieval to select the most relevant mapping views while keeping runtime and memory demand nearly constant. Experiments show state-of-the-art localization accuracy with minimal map preparation time, along with strong generalization to unseen domains and challenging large-scale outdoor environments. Checkout the links in the comments for more info on the project and the team behind it! #machinelearning #computervision #visuallocalization #robotics #slam #3dvision #deeplearning