Mastering Work-Life Harmony with a Pool Cue
One of the most important aspects for me when applying for this job was to find a group of people whom I enjoy working with. Renuo values work-life balance, which shows in our daily operation, where we mix collaborative work with fun activities and team events. We have a great team spirit and a joyful environment – that is why I chose to work at Renuo. Moreover, Renuo's commitment to innovation and technology, particularly in AI, adds an exciting dimension to our work culture. Leveraging AI not only enhances our productivity but also integrates into our daily activities, making even our breaks more enjoyable and insightful.
What is the company spirit …
Collaboration between coworkers is an important aspect of producing good results. Having a dynamic group which can be set up in different constellations for different projects is key for any company, and is particularly critical for a fast-paced software company. The importance of a good team spirit cannot be overstated. At Renuo we have several ways of improving our team spirit. We have snacks and drinks in the office for people to enjoy during their coffee break, and also a common room for us to get together during breaks and after work. In the break room we have a pool table, a "töggeli" table and a chessboard that are used daily. Outside of work, we also have other activities scheduled throughout the year like ski day, learning week, hikes and social Fridays – just to name a few.
For me personally, these benefits are a major reason why I want to come into the office more often than work from home. Having a fun game to look forward to with my colleagues enhances my anticipation of going to the office. In general, I think that a pleasant office environment motivates and facilitates better collaboration between colleagues.
How many engineers are needed to mount a pool cue rack?
… And how does a pool table help?
For productivity, everybody needs a break during the day. Studies show that having breaks makes you even more productive than not having breaks at all. At Renuo, the most popular break activity is the pool table, a place where team members can set aside their bugs and pull requests to focus on sinking balls into pockets and sharing laughs with coworkers. During a workday, it is common to find the pool table bustling with four people playing a game. The games are always for fun, yet they stir up a competitive spirit among the players – no one wants to lose. In the evenings, after a long day of coding, some team members often stay behind to enjoy a beer and play pool together. This is amazing!
A pool table has been around at Renuo for many years. We play all types of variations, from classic 8- and 9-ball to more playful games like Mafia or Magic ball. Last year, Oliver Anthony, a Brit, joined Renuo and felt it was time for a change. The previous table was a bit flaky; the balls were drawn to the sides and a specific hole. He proposed a new, more professional table. During the fall 2023, it became a hot topic in the office: Which table should we use and, most importantly, what color? In the end, we chose a gray table – and just in time for Christmas – it arrived. What happened to the old pool table? Well, it is now in the home of one of the employees, who is training to be the champion of the upcoming office pool competition, a competition that will grant bragging rights for an entire year.
AI Innovations to elevate the fun
At Renuo, we are always eager to see how our expertise in technology can enhance our daily activities. The pool table, a central feature of our office, presented a unique opportunity. We decided to merge our love for the game with our passion for innovation by integrating advanced AI and machine learning technologies.
Our first step was to install a GoPro camera above the pool table to record our games. This setup allows us to capture every detail of our matches. We are currently developing a web application where players can set up matches, choose opponents, and start recordings. Additionally, the app enables players to save recordings with details such as the names of the players, the date, and the winners. Future enhancements could include features like live-streaming, replays, and slow-motion videos, all aimed at enriching our gaming experience.
Object annotation with CVAT.
Leveraging AI for Game Analytics
The real excitement lies in our application of AI and machine learning to the game of pool. We are developing an object detection model to accurately identify the balls and pockets on the table. This technology will allow us to gather extensive statistics and perform detailed analyses of our games. We aim to recognize when a ball is potted, track the frequency of foul shots, and calculate the success rate of game-winning shots.
What makes this particularly thrilling for us at Renuo is the potential to blend play with cutting-edge technology. By leveraging AI, we can transform a simple game into a rich data-driven experience. We are also exploring advanced AI applications, such as predictive analytics, to suggest the best possible shots based on historical data. This not only makes the game more engaging but also serves as a practical demonstration of our AI capabilities.
The Future Fun with AI
Integrating AI into our pool games represents more than just a fun side project – it embodies our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. This initiative allows us to showcase our technical skills in a tangible and enjoyable way, fostering both learning and collaboration within the team.
We are always open to new ideas and suggestions on how we can further utilize this data and enhance our AI capabilities. If you have any insights or would like to know more about our projects, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].
Do you want to play a game?
The pool table at Renuo has been, and continues to be, a source of endless joy and spirited competition. If the thought of a friendly (or fiercely competitive) game of pool tickles your fancy, what are you waiting for? Swing by – you are always welcome to try your hand at sinking a few balls and maybe even your colleagues’ hopes of victory!
