Realsense Spinoff: Stereoscopic Imaging Technology Scales Independently

RealSense Embarks on Independent Journey After Intel Tenure

Following a 14-year period of development within the semiconductor industry leader, Intel, the RealSense division is now operating as a standalone entity.

Core Technology: Stereoscopic Imaging and Depth Perception

RealSense specializes in the creation of cameras employing stereoscopic imaging. This process leverages the combination of two images captured from differing viewpoints to generate depth information, further enhanced through the use of infrared light.

This technology is crucial for enabling machines – including robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles – to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of their surrounding environment. It also finds application in systems for facial recognition and authentication.

CEO Vision: Understanding the Physical World

“The unifying factor across all these applications is their existence within the tangible, physical realm,” stated CEO Nadav Orbach in an interview with TechCrunch. “They require a three-dimensional understanding of their surroundings to effectively plan and execute actions. We excel at providing that real-time, highly accurate 3D perception capability.”

From CPU Architect to RealSense Leader

Nadav Orbach initially joined Intel in 2006, contributing as a CPU architect based in Israel. His involvement with vision technologies began in 2011, and he subsequently assumed the role of general manager for incubation and disruptive innovation in 2022. A relocation to San Francisco followed in the subsequent year.

Early Days and Market Focus

“We recognized early on the significant potential of 3D perception,” Orbach explained, reflecting on RealSense’s origins. “Initially, the precise application remained unclear. We explored various market segments and applications, ranging from gesture control for computers and mobile devices, before ultimately identifying our core strength within the field of robotics.”

Diverse Applications Across Industries

The company’s technology extends beyond robotics, serving a wide array of industries. Orbach cited examples such as fish farms utilizing RealSense to monitor volume within enclosures. Furthermore, Chipotle has integrated RealSense cameras, in collaboration with PreciTaste, an AI-driven restaurant software provider, to track food container levels.

Growing Demand and the Decision to Spin Out

RealSense currently supports a customer base exceeding 3,000 and has experienced a notable increase in interest over the past three to four years, coinciding with advancements in artificial intelligence. This has led to a significant expansion in the applications for robotics, in particular.

The company determined that operating independently, with the ability to secure its own funding, would be the most effective path to meet growing demand and facilitate its own scaling efforts, according to Orbach.

Securing Independence and Funding

Plans for the spinout were initiated last year and received approval from former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger. The company is now fully independent and has successfully raised $50 million in Series A funding, led by Intel Capital and other strategic investors.

A New Chapter for the CEO

“This was an invigorating experience for me,” Orbach shared. “As a long-standing executive within the company, it was a novel position to be on the investor side of the table. It proved to be a profoundly humbling experience as a first-time CEO navigating the fundraising process.”

Future Focus: Safety and Access Control

The newly acquired capital will be allocated towards expanding the company’s go-to-market team and enhancing its core technology. A primary focus will be on improving the technology to bolster safety during interactions between humans and robots, as well as refining access control systems.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

“There’s undoubtedly a learning curve associated with establishing independence,” Orbach acknowledged. “However, I am incredibly enthusiastic about this opportunity. I am fortunate to have a highly capable team, many of whom possess entrepreneurial experience. I believe that my background, combined with the strengths of my colleagues, positions us for success. This truly represents a dream realized.”