Intel Acquires Computer Vision for IoT, Automotive

On May 25, Intel signed a definitive agreement to acquire Itseez Inc., an expert in Computer Vision (CV) algorithms and implementations for embedded and specialized hardware. Itseez contributes software tuning and integration in many market-leading products shipping today from cars to security systems and more. This acquisition furthers Intel's efforts to win in IoT market segments, like automotive and video, where the ability to electronically perceive and understand images paves the way for innovation and opportunity.

Itseez will become a key ingredient for Intel's Internet of Things Group (IOTG) roadmap, and will help Intel's customers create innovative deep-learning-based CV applications, like autonomous driving, digital security and surveillance, and industrial inspection. Itseez is also a key contributor to computer vision standards initiatives, including OpenCV and OpenVX.

As the Internet of Things evolves, Intel sees three distinct phases emerging. The first is to make everyday objects smart – this is well underway with everything from smart toothbrushes to smart car seats now available. The second is to connect the unconnected, with new devices connecting to the cloud and enabling new revenue, services and savings. New devices, like cars and watches, are being designed with connectivity and intelligence built into the device. The third is just emerging when devices will require constant connectivity and will need the intelligence to make real-time decisions based on their surroundings. This is the "autonomous era," and machine learning and computer vision will become critical for all kinds of machines – cars among them.

Keywords: Internet of Things (IoT), Autonomous Driving, Computer Vision (CV), Embedded Hardware, Industrial Inspection, Smart Devices, Cloud Computing, ARC Advisory Group.