Apple buys Israel’s PrimeSense for $350 million

Famous from being the synchronized depth perception system inside the Microsoft Kinnect, PrimeSense, a venture-funded company based in Tel Aviv, was just acquired by Apple for $350 million.

Bloomberg reports that Apple confirmed the purchase but reported that Apple won’t discuss their purpose or plans in relation to the acquisition.

PrimeSense has been developing depth-sensing technology such as that in the new 3D Systems Sense 3D scanner, or the navigation platform Ava by iRobot or the Smart Terrain by Qualcomm’s Vuforia. In addition to the Ava, PrimeSense’s 3D sensing technology, with its affordable sensors, is opening up new possibilities in robotics including letting the robot “see” their surroundings just like humans do.

With the PrimeSense camera system you can take a picture of something and see it in deep ways. The technology could be helpful in home consumer products as well as for various professions like field workers, machine shops and manufacturers.

Frank Tobe is the owner and publisher of The Robot Report, and is also a panel member for Robohub's Robotics by Invitation series.

Frank Tobe is the owner and publisher of The Robot Report, and is also a panel member for Robohub's Robotics by Invitation series.