Cognex Buys Assistware

Cognex Corp of Natick, MA has purchased AssistWare, formed in 1995 by researchers from Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Institute. The price has not been disclosed.

Both companies specialise in machine vision sensors - in other words "seeing computers" or "robot eyes". Cognex is best known for its factory automation systems. AssistWare is known for its SafeTRAC Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system which is installed in commercial vehicles.

The acquisition will help Cognex to position itself in the market for in-vehicle seeing devices. The new Cognex's In-Vehicle Vision Sensor unit will be based in AssistWare's Gibsonia, PA facilities. The initial focus will be on the heavy truck market however the company hopes eventually to enter the domestic passenger car market.

Cognex aims to build on the core SafeTRAC LDW technology and add extra features such as collision warning and adaptive cruise control.