Cognex Corp. announced its intent to acquire RealSense Inc., a robotics and computer vision startup, for approximately $600 million. The deal includes a $500 million cash payment, a three-year retention program worth $56.5 million, and restricted stock units valued at $50 million for employees.
RealSense, which spun out of Intel 14 months ago, specializes in depth cameras and 3D scanning technology. The company expects annual revenue between $80 million and $90 million this year, representing a 50% increase over the previous year. It has been profitable for the last two quarters.
Intel retains a 20% stake in RealSense and a seat on its board. The acquisition excludes the Facial Authentication business, which will be spun off into a separate entity with around 25 employees before the deal closes. The transaction is expected to finalize in the fourth quarter of the year.
Cognex CEO Matt Moschner stated the acquisition aims to integrate RealSense’s 3D perception and navigation capabilities with existing machine vision products. The combined platform will target industrial identification, 3D measurement, and robotic navigation, serving the physical AI market.
