Intel has acquired machine learning and computer vision startup Itseez in order to expand its Internet of Things (IoT) division and develop better navigation technologies for driverless cars.
The high-tech company has announced the deal on its company blog. However, Intel did not disclose the value of the deal.
According to Tech Times, this acquisition is part of Intel's plan to become increasingly relevant in the self-driving car and IoT market. Itseez startup specialized in machine learning and computer vision and can Intel's market expansion strategy.
Itseez was founded in 2005, in San Francisco. The company develops computer vision software and algorithms that could have applications in the autonomous car industry.
For instance, its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) ensure the car hardware detects and interprets correctly the visual information. This allows car hardware to recognize traffic signs and pedestrians as well as avoid potential collisions.
Itseez has also developed algorithms for smartphones, surveillance, robotics and sports analytics. Intel is also involved in developing systems for most of these applications.
According to Tech Crunch, this is not the first time when Intel acquires a startup related to the field of IoT and autonomous driving systems. The acquisition of Itseez comes just one month after Intel purchased Yogitech startup, another IoT-related company.
Yogitech is based in Italy and develops systems that ensure the functional safety for semiconductors. Yogitech's technology ensures that chips used by self-driving vehicles are working properly.
Last year, Intel also acquired Lantiq, a company that develops chips for smart objects. According to Intel's official website, the company already produces development kits, chips and software for autonomous cars.
Doug Davis, Intel senior vice president and general manager of its Internet of Things Group (IOTG), declared that Itseez will help Intel's customers to develop innovative deep-learning-based applications such as digital security and surveillance, self-driving technology and industrial application. This new deal is part of Intel's new strategic shift from PC chip maker to maker of devices for IoT and cloud computing.
