Categories : Global technology giant Intel is acquiring Ascending Technologies, a Germany-based developer and manufacturer of autopilot systems, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and multi-rotor technology for professional, civil and research UAV applications.
According to a blog post from Josh Walden, senior vice president and general manager of Intel’s new technology group, UAVs are “quickly emerging as an important computing platform for the future” and “offer an incredible opportunity for innovation across a multitude of industries.”
Thus, the blog says, Intel is looking to be “at the forefront of this opportunity to increasingly integrate the computing, communications, sensor and cloud technology required to make drones smarter and more connected.”
Intel has made investments in several UAV companies in the past year, including PrecisionHawk, Yuneec and Airware.
Intel is currently not disclosing the financial terms of the deal, nor the specific road map for product development. The deal is also subject to customary closing conditions.
A year ago, Intel and Ascending Technologies teamed up to develop collision-avoidance technology and algorithms for UAVs. The companies incorporated Intel’s RealSense cameras with Ascending Technologies’ AscTec Trinity auto pilot system. Intel also became Ascending Technologies’ first external investor and a minority shareholder.
The blog says that with the acquisition, Intel will gain “expertise and technology to accelerate the deployment of Intel RealSense technology into the fast-growing drone market segment.” The collaboration will also continue to “develop UAV technology that can help drones fly with more awareness of their environments.”
Ascending Technologies has released a drone light painting video in order to “express its sheer excitement” of the acquisition.
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