Israeli AI Firm RealSense Acquired by Cognex for Over $600 Million

Cognex has announced its acquisition of RealSense, an Israeli AI company specializing in physical AI technologies, for over $600 million. The deal includes approximately $500 million in cash for shareholders and a grant package of around $106 million in stock, cash, and options for RealSense employees. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of the year and will be funded by Cognex's existing cash reserves.

RealSense develops depth cameras and computer vision technologies that enable robots and autonomous systems to perceive their environment in 3D, identify objects, estimate distances, and navigate safely. Its technology is integrated into various applications, including autonomous mobile robots, robotic arms, industrial automation, logistics, healthcare, and security. The company serves over 4,500 customers globally and employs about 180 people, with roughly 135 based at its development center in Israel.

Following the acquisition, RealSense employees will remain with the company, and its Israeli operations will become Cognex's development hub. RealSense, which spun off from Intel in July 2025, raised $50 million in funding upon becoming independent, with participation from Intel Capital and others. Since its separation, the company has expanded its operations, significantly increased its workforce, and tripled its revenue, projecting $80-90 million in revenue for 2026.

Cognex, a Nasdaq-listed company, develops machine vision systems and sensors for industrial applications. This acquisition marks Cognex's largest to date and its first in Israel, aiming to expand its presence in the physical AI market by integrating RealSense's depth perception technology with its own computer vision expertise. The combined capabilities will offer a more comprehensive visual intelligence platform for autonomous systems.

Notably, RealSense's facial recognition and biometric identification division is not included in this acquisition and will be spun off into a separate company before the deal closes. This division's technology is already in use at Ben Gurion Airport and other high-security locations.