After 14 years as a division within Intel, RealSense has become an independent company, focusing on scaling its stereoscopic imaging technology. This strategic move is supported by a $50 million Series A funding round led by Intel Capital and other strategic investors.
RealSense specializes in developing cameras that utilize stereoscopic imaging—a technique that combines two images from different angles to create depth perception, enhanced with infrared light. This technology enables machines such as robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles to better understand and interact with their physical environments. Additionally, RealSense’s technology is employed in facial authentication systems.
CEO Nadav Orbach, who joined Intel in 2006 and has been involved with vision technology since 2011, emphasized the importance of 3D perception for machines operating in the physical world. He noted that RealSense’s technology provides real-time, high-accuracy 3D understanding, which is crucial for planning and executing actions in various applications.
Over the years, RealSense has explored multiple market segments, from gesture recognition in computers and phones to its current focus on robotics. The company serves over 3,000 customers across diverse industries. For instance, fish farms use RealSense cameras to monitor the volume inside pens, and Chipotle has partnered with AI restaurant software company PreciTaste to track food container levels using RealSense technology.
The decision to spin out from Intel was driven by the realization that operating as an independent entity would better position RealSense to meet increasing demand and scale its operations. The spinout plans were approved by former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, and the company has now secured $50 million in Series A funding to support its growth initiatives.
RealSense plans to allocate the new capital toward building out its go-to-market operations, scaling manufacturing, and investing in research and development for AI software and next-generation depth cameras. The company aims to expand its product roadmap to include innovations in stereo vision, robotics, and biometrics AI software and hardware.
The spinout marks a significant milestone for RealSense, providing the flexibility to respond swiftly to market demands and invest more effectively in its growth. As an independent company, RealSense is well-positioned to continue advancing its stereoscopic imaging technology and expanding its presence in the robotics and AI sectors.
