Intel to acquire German drone company Ascending Technologies

Intel CEO Brian Krzanich demonstrated the broad capabilities UAV technology during his keynote presentation at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show Jan. 5, in Las Vegas. Krzanich showcased the Yuneec Typhoon H with Intel RealSense Technology. (Photo: Intel)

Intel has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ascending Technologies, a drone company located in Krailing, Germany, that produces drone auto-pilot software and algorithms.

Intel has already partnered to combine Ascending Technologies’ sense-and-avoid algorithms with Intel RealSense technology’s real-time depth-sensing capability. These technologies can improve drone safety, helping them avoid obstacles and collisions.

With Ascending Technologies, Intel gains expertise and technology to accelerate the deployment of Intel RealSense technology into the fast-growing drone market segment. The Ascending Technologies team is expected to continue supporting its current customers while also collaborating with Intel’s Perceptual Computing team to develop unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology that can help drones fly with more awareness of their environments.

“Drones are quickly emerging as an important computing platform of the future, writes Josh Walden on an Intel blog. “With practical applications ranging from disaster response, to infrastructure inspection, to delivery of goods, UAVs offer an incredible opportunity for innovation across a multitude of industries. As a result, Intel is positioning itself at the forefront of this opportunity to increasingly integrate the computing, communications, sensor and cloud technology required to make drones smarter and more connected.”