Dive Brief:
- Intel announced it has purchased Ascending Technologies, a Germany-based startup that makes drones and software used to fly them.
- It’s the latest purchase Intel has made in recent months as part of an effort to build up its business in the next wave of connected devices beyond PCs.
- All 75 employees of Ascending Technologies will reportedly get offers to join Intel.
Dive Insight:
Ascending Technologies is known for its software and the accuracy of movement it fosters, a factor Intel likely weighed given recent regulatory action and public scrutiny over drone safety. Intel plans to continue integrating its RealSense image and depth-recognition technology with Ascending Technologies’ own “sense-and-avoid” algorithms, an effort Intel began as part of a partnership with Ascend last year.
“We plan for the Ascending Technologies team to continue supporting their current customers while also collaborating with Intel’s Perceptual Computing team to develop UAV technology that can help drones fly with more awareness of their environments,” said Josh Walden, Intel’s SVP for new technologies.
Ascending Technologies says it currently has 1,000 unique aircraft solutions in operation worldwide.
As hardware sales continue to decline, Intel has been making a number of investments and acquisitions in newer technology areas.
