Intel Acquires German Drone Company Gives Drone Sense-and-Avoid System

FREMONT, CA: Intel announces acquisition of Ascending Technologies, a German drone maker and manufacturer of autopilot systems, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and multi-rotor technology. The acquisition integrates Intel’s processors & RealSense imaging technology with Ascending’s auto-pilot software, reports Natalie Gagliordi for ZDNet.

Intel’s RealSense camera is a combination of hardware and software that allows drones to sense the images, avoid obstacles around it and captures 3D information. The auto-pilot software uses a low level protocol for AscTec Research UAVs which gives the drones a sense-and-avoid system.

Ascending technologies continues to support the current customers in developing UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology with Intel’s Perceptual Computing team regardless of the acquisition. The acquisition benefits Intel to make more investments in newer areas of technology beyond basic PC and helps fast growing drone market segments.

"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," says Josh Walden, SVP and GM of Intel's New Technology Group.