Zebra Technologies to acquire Photoneo

Photoneo Brightpick Group, a leader in 3D vision and AI robotics, has entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Photoneo by Zebra Technologies.

"Photoneo is a leading provider of robotic vision sensors and intelligence software. Powered by its patented parallel structured light technology, Photoneo delivers faster, more accurate, and higher-resolution solutions through a seamless combination of hardware and software. Its advanced sensors are certified to integrate effortlessly with many of the world’s top robotic manufacturers, particularly in robot-arm applications," says an official release from Brightpick.

Joe White, Chief Product & Solutions Officer, Zebra Technologies says: "The combination of Photoneo’s 3D machine vision solutions with Zebra’s advanced sensors, vendor-agnostic software and AI-based image processing will provide a unique portfolio of offerings to our customers globally. Together, we will help our customers across automotive manufacturing, logistics and other key markets maximise the potential of machine vision within their frontline operations.”

Jan Zizka, Co-Founder and CEO, Photoneo Brightpick Group adds: "Zebra is the perfect partner to support Photoneo in its next chapter as a company. By combining Photoneo’s industry-leading 3D vision technology with Zebra’s global reach and broad portfolio of robotics and machine vision solutions, Photoneo is well-positioned to accelerate its growth and expansion."

Following the acquisition, the Photoneo Brightpick Group will be renamed Brightpick and continue operating as a separate entity focused on developing and deploying AI robots to automate warehouse operations. The majority of the proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to accelerating Brightpick’s deployment of its AI robots across the U.S. and Europe. Brightpick has secured a total of $47 million in funding till now, the release added.

"Brightpick is a leading provider of warehouse automation solutions for order fulfillment. The Brightpick solution takes just weeks to deploy and enables companies to reduce their fulfillment labour to a minimum. Brightpick Autopicker, the company’s award-winning flagship robot, is the only mobile robot in the world that robotically picks and consolidates orders directly in warehouse aisles, like a human with a cart. The robot is powered by advanced AI, which enables it to operate seamlessly in any warehouse environment and autonomously fulfill orders across a wide range of product categories."

The transaction, terms of which were not disclosed, is subject to customary closing conditions and expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, the release added.

(Video credit: Brightpick)