Intel acquires computer vision algorithm specialist

Intel has acquired the Itseez company. This American company specializes in machine learning, especially machine vision. Intel wants to transfer the technologies to its internet-of-things group and apply them for autonomous driving.

Intel has acquired San Francisco-based Itseez Inc. acquired for an undisclosed amount. Itseez offers a number of products such as Accelerated Computer Vision, which should speed up the processing of OpenCV on especially ARM devices, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which consists of a collection of algorithms that help car systems recognize traffic situations.

Intel and Itseez were no strangers to each other. For example, Itseez has already developed an application for 3D scanning of objects with a smartphone that uses Intel’s RealSense technology. The acquired company is also working on facial recognition algorithms.

Following the acquisition, Itseez’s technology will become part of Intel’s Internet of Things Group roadmap. It also helps Intel’s customers create deep learning-based computer vision applications such as for autonomous driving, security, surveillance and industrial inspection.

Intel’s increased focus on the lucrative automotive market means additional competition for NXP, currently the market leader in this field.