The Intel Mobileye acquisition is a bold move to stake a claim to leadership in self-driving car technology. Combined with the State of California’s announcement to relax rules for self-driving autos, removing some regulatory hurdles, the Golden State is poised to become the leader in automated transportation systems.
“data-intensive market opportunities that build on the company’s strengths in computing and connectivity from the cloud”
Intel had long partnered with Mobileye, which had developed tremendously important proprietary technology that involved sensors to allow cars to “see” the surrounding area, and various technologies for negotiating through the complexity of modern urban environments. Now the two companies have officially merged, with Intel’s purchase of Mobileye for $15.3 billion.
Mobileye is an Israeli company. This acquisition marks the largest purchase ever for an Israeli company. According to a press release from Intel, they have high expectations for the driverless vehicle market and expect it to become a $70 billion business within less than 15 years. They claim that, “The transaction extends Intel’s strategy to invest in data-intensive market opportunities that build on the company’s strengths in computing and connectivity from the cloud, through the network, to the device.”
It’s a bold future in store, because driverless cars will change more than the morning commute. They will change the way we think of travel, time, and distance. A self-driving car is coming to a curb near you.
