Apical acquisition accelerates ARM ecosystem growth

18th May 2016

ARM Ltd

Nat Bowers

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ARM has acquired Apical, a global leader in imaging and embedded computer vision technology that will allow next-gen devices to understand and act intelligently on information from their environment. Apical is one of the UK’s fastest-growing technology companies and its advanced imaging products are used in more than 1.5bn smartphones and approximately 300m other consumer/industrial devices including IP cameras, digital stills cameras and tablets.

The acquisition, closed for a cash consideration of $350m, supports ARM’s long term growth strategy by enabling new imaging products for next-gen vehicles, security systems, robotics, mobile and any consumer, smart building, industrial or retail application where intelligent image processing is needed. Apical’s technology will complement the ARM Mali graphics, display and video processor roadmap with products including:

Spirit: A power-efficient computer vision technology, Spirit gives ARM and its partners the ability to address opportunities anywhere that advanced image computing can deliver innovation. It comprises dedicated silicon IP blocks that deliver an on-chip computer vision capability by converting raw sensor data or video into a machine-readable representation of an image;
Assertive Display: Based on more than a decade’s research into human vision, Assertive Display enables screens to adapt to changes in light by overcoming brightness limitations while reducing power consumption; and
Assertive Camera: Configured as a range of image signal processors and software packages, Assertive Camera delivers advances in performance including high dynamic range, noise reduction and colour management.

Simon Segars, CEO, ARM, commented: “Computer vision is in the early stages of development and the world of devices powered by this exciting technology can only grow from here. Apical is at the forefront of embedded computer vision technology, building on its leadership in imaging products that already enable intelligent devices to deliver amazing new user experiences. The ARM partnership is solving the technical challenges of next-gen products such as driverless cars and sophisticated security systems. These solutions rely on the creation of dedicated image computing solutions and Apical’s technologies will play a crucial role in their delivery.”

Apical is a highly successful imaging technology IP business founded in 2002 that employs approximately 100 people, mainly at a research and development centre in Loughborough, UK. Its technology has shipped in more than 1.5bn smartphones, including top-selling premium handsets.

“Apical has led the way with new imaging technologies based on extensive research into human vision and visual processing. The products developed by Apical already enable cameras to understand their environment and to act on the most relevant information by employing intelligent processing. These technologies will advance as part of ARM, driving value for its partners as they push deeper into markets where visual computing will deliver a transformation in device capabilities and the way humans interact with machines,” added Michael Tusch, CEO and founder, Apical.