eys3D Secures $7M Series A Funding - Computer Vision Startup

EYs3D Microelectronics Secures $7 Million in Series A Funding

EYs3D Microelectronics, a fabless design house specializing in complete software and hardware systems for computer vision, has successfully completed a $7 million Series A funding round.

Key investors in this round include ARM IoT Capital, WI Harper, and Marubun Corporation, all of whom will also function as strategic partners to the company.

Company Background and Funding Use

Founded in 2016 as a spin-off from Etron, a fabless IC and system-in-package (SiP) design firm, eYs3D is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan.

The newly acquired funds will be allocated towards expanding the company’s embedded chip business into new markets.

eYs3D’s technology portfolio encompasses integrated circuits, 3D sensors, camera modules, and AI-powered software.

These technologies find application in diverse fields such as robotics, touchless control systems, autonomous vehicles, and intelligent retail solutions.

Notably, eYs3D’s products have already been integrated into leading virtual reality headsets like the Facebook Oculus Rift S and Valve Index, as well as Techman Robots.

Strategic Partnerships

ARM, a prominent microprocessor company, intends to incorporate eYs3D’s chips directly into its CPU and Neural Processing Unit (NPU) offerings.

WI Harper, a cross-border investment firm with a presence in Taipei, Beijing, and San Francisco, will facilitate access to its extensive network of industrial collaborators for eYs3D.

Marubun Corporation, a Japan-based distributor of semiconductors and electronic components, will establish new distribution channels for eYs3D’s products.

Investor Perspective

Peter Hsieh, chairman of ARM IoT Capital, stated that advanced computer vision capabilities are crucial to the future of ARM’s AI architecture and deployment strategies.

He emphasized eYs3D’s innovative 3D computer vision technology and expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and investment in developing more AI-driven vision processors.

Future Development and Expansion

The funding will also support the expansion of eYs3D’s product development efforts and the launch of a new series of 3D computer vision modules.

Furthermore, the company plans to forge new business partnerships to broaden its platform and increase its talent pool.

Supply Chain Resilience

James Wang, eYs3D’s chief strategy officer, confirmed that the global chip shortage and Taiwan’s recent drought have not substantially affected the company’s operations or production schedules.

This resilience is attributed to eYs3D’s collaboration with Etron for integrated circuit manufacturing services.

“Etron Technology maintains robust relationships with foundries, ensuring eYs3D receives necessary products for its customers,” Wang explained.

The company also employs a just-in-time supply chain approach, working closely with major customers to align production pipelines.

Core Technology and Capabilities

eYs3D’s systems integrate silicon design and sophisticated algorithms to effectively manage data from various sensor sources.

These sources include thermal sensors, 3D sensors, and neural network perception systems.

The technology supports functionalities like visual simultaneous localization and mapping (vSLAM), object feature depth recognition, and gesture-based control.

Client-Focused Solutions

eYs3D distinguishes itself by offering comprehensive, end-to-end services, ranging from integrated circuit design to fully functional, ready-to-use products.

The company collaborates closely with clients to identify and deliver tailored solutions to meet their specific needs.

For instance, eYs3D provided a chip solution to an autonomous robot manufacturer, enabling obstacle avoidance and people-tracking capabilities.

“They required a complete design module for 3D sensing and object/people recognition, which we provided along with a 3D depth camera solution and relevant algorithm samples,” Wang stated.

“The customer rapidly integrated our solution for proof-of-concept, and we subsequently assisted in adapting the camera design for integration into the robot’s physical structure before commercial release.”