Intel Boosts Its Perceptual Computing Strategy With The Movidius Acquisition
Earlier this week, leading semiconductor maker, Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) announced the acquisition of Movidius, a company that specialises in designing low power chips for computer vision. Intel already has its own RealSense cameras that feature the groundbreaking depth-sensing technology, which allows devices to “see” the world in three dimensions. With the acquisition of Movidius, the company should be able to take its computer vision and perceptual computing strategy to the next level. Below we discuss in detail how Intel is likely to benefit from this acquisition:
Movidius’ Myriad 2 Is Seeing Strong Adoption
Movidius’ Myriad 2 VPU (Vision Processing Unit) is capable of handling challenging vision-based tasks such as head tracking and gesture recognition. It is also able to blend multiple video streams into interactive Virtual Reality video feeds in severely power-constrained environment. This makes the processor extremely suitable for the use in virtual reality and augmented reality headsets, security cameras and drones. Because of the capabilities of the Myriad 2 VPU, Movidius has been able to win deals with large companies such as Google, Lenovo and DJI.
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Combining Movidius’ leading VPU (Vision Processing Unit) platform with Intel’s leading depth sensing solution will allow for autonomous machines that can see in 3D. Intel stated that with the Movidius acquisition it would be able to deliver low-power, high-performance SoC platforms for accelerating its computer vision applications. In addition, the company would gain access to key algorithms that were developed by Movidius, enhancing its existing computer vision technologies. These algorithms enable deep learning, depth processing, navigation and mapping, and natural interactions.
Intel On Frontfoot In Acquiring Key Emerging Technologies
Over the last couple of years, AI startups have been important acquisition targets for large technology companies. Some of the notable acquisitions that have happened recently in this field are Apple’s acquisition of the AI startup Turi and Google’s acquisition of Deep Mind Technologies in 2014. The increased acquisitions of AI-based startups shows that larger technology companies are focused on ramping up their AI portfolio through acquisitions, to avoid facing competitive threats going ahead.
Learning from its difficulties in the smartphone market (where it lost out due to its late entry), Intel too is determined to be an early entrant in the key emerging markets — be they AI, computer vision or IoT — all of which complement each other. The company has done several acquisitions in these areas, as they present significant opportunities for the company to revive its growth, which has been of late affected by a slowing PC market. It is worth noting that Intel spent $400 million last month in buying the AI startup Nervana Systems, to fortify its position against its rival Nvidia in the data center co-processor market.
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