Chipmaker ARM has acquired UK-based imaging company Apical to enable new robotics and Internet of Things products.
The acquisition, which closed for $350 million in cash, provides ARM with three key capabilities that can feature in its future products.
One of these is Spirit, a power-efficient computer vision technology which consists of dedicated silicon IP blocks which can convert raw sensor data or video into a machine-readable version of an image.
Secondly, Assertive Display allows screens to adapt to changes in light, overcoming brightness limitations and reducing power consumption.
Finally, Assertive Camera improves the performance of technology, with ARM in a statement citing "high dynamic range, noise reduction and colour management."
Apical’s technologies will complement the ARM® Mali™ graphics, display and video processor.
Apical, whose technology has been used in over 1.5 billion smartphones, employs 100 people, primarily at a research and development centre in Loughborough.
Simon Segars, CEO of ARM said: "Apical is at the forefront of embedded computer vision technology, building on its leadership in imaging products that already enable intelligent devices to deliver amazing new user experiences.
"The ARM partnership is solving the technical challenges of next generation products such as driverless cars and sophisticated security systems. These solutions rely on the creation of dedicated image computing solutions and Apical’s technologies will play a crucial role in their delivery."
Michael Tusch, CEO and founder of Apical said that his company’s extensive research into human vision and visual processing had led the way with new imaging technologies.
"The products developed by Apical already enable cameras to understand their environment and to act on the most relevant information by employing intelligent processing," he said.
"These technologies will advance as part of ARM, driving value for its partners as they push deeper into markets where visual computing will deliver a transformation in device capabilities and the way humans interact with machines."
