Intel Buys Ascending Technologies in Further Drone Push

Intel Corp. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Krailling, Germany-based drone company Ascending Technologies GmbH, as the semiconductor manufacturer tries to spur the development of new products that use its chips.
Ascending Technologies makes drones and drone technologies to be used by researchers and in commercial endeavors. The purchase follows Intel’s investment of $60 million last August into Shanghai-based drone and aerospace company Yuneec International Co. The Santa Clara, California-based chip company and rival Qualcomm Inc. are investing in drone companies as the success of their products could expand the market for semiconductors. Intel has also made investments in drone companies Airware and PrecisionHawk.
Ascending Technologies already uses Intel technology called RealSense to add depth-sensing capabilities to its flying machines. Post-acquisition, the company will work with other teams at Intel to makes its drones “fly with more awareness of their environments,” Josh Walden, general manager of Intel’s New Technology Group, wrote in a blog post Monday announcing the acquisition. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Intel’s Chief Executive Officer Brian Krzanich showed off drones from Ascending Technologies during his keynote address last year at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Krzanich is scheduled to speak Tuesday at CES 2016.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-04/intel-buys-ascending-technologies-in-further-drone-push