Intel has announced the acquisition of German drone manufacturer Ascending Technologies, following Qualcomm into the drone market.
Ascending Technologies both builds drones and develops the software used to power them. Details of the agreement have not been announced just yet, however, each of the 75 employees of Ascending Technologies will receive job offers at Intel, according to a report from TechCrunch.
The announcement comes at a time where there is growing concern over the safety of drones and their use, and Ascend has developed its own technology that it hopes will help avoid drone-related accidents, using light to track objects.
While Intel hasn't previously invested in Ascending Technologies, it has partnered with the company before, integrating its RealSense technology with the Ascend "sense-and-avoid" technology. It even demonstrated that new integration at CES last year.
Intel will reportedly not divulge its future with drones at this point, however, the company will continue to support current Ascending Technologies customers.
"We plan for the Ascending Technologies team to continue supporting their current customers while also collaborating with Intel's Perceptual Computing team to develop UAV technology that can help drones fly with more awareness of their environments," said Ascending Technologies in a statement.
Via: TechCrunch
