Intel adds vision to its AI vision with computer vision firm buyout

Intel is not just content to build the silicon brains that will power the Rise of the Machines – it is bidding to own their eyes too, with the acquisition of computer vision developer Movidius. Movidius is 11 years old, having been founded in Dublin and transplanted to San Mateo. No price was disclosed, but the 140-strong firm has raised around 90m in funding in the past, and according to the Irish Times was valued at around 250m last year. As for its technology, it was previously used in Google's Project Tango computer vision platform, and according to its website, works with the likes of Lenovo, and DJI to "give sight to smart devices including drones, security cameras, AR/VR headsets and more". Intel's new technology group boss Josh Walden describes the deal in a blog post, saying it gives Intel "low-power, high-performance SoC platforms for accelerating computer vision applications" as well as "algorithms tuned for deep learning, depth processing, navigation and mapping, and natural interactions, as well as broad expertise in embedded computer vision and machine intelligence."