Dive Brief:

• Intel has expanded its presence in the growing drone and UAV global markets with the acquisition of German commercial drone software firm MAVinci, VentureBeat reported. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

• The acquisition furthers Intel’s effort to vertically integrate the UAV arena by developing or acquiring hardware, sensor, software and analytics capabilities designed for cloud integration by the multinational chip maker.

• MAVinci provides Intel with algorithm proficiency for flight planning software as well as increased design expertise for fixed-wing UAVs. 

Dive Insight:

Intel looks to be serious about intentions to be a major player in the global UAV market. In October 2016, the firm launched its first drone product targeting industrial and construction applications. The acquisition of MAVinci signals that larger, fixed-wing models are on the drawing board, too.  

In a company blog post, Intel's drone division head Anil Nanduri detailed how the firm nabbed a Part 107 Waiver through the Federal Aviation Administration's recently approved commercial drone regulations to fly 500 drones simultaneously as a fleet operated by a single pilot. The technique could offer enhanced image-data capture, particularly when matched with Intel’s collision avoidance cameras and software.

Nanduri said recent acquisitions and Intel’s own internal development teams will play an integral role in developing new products and applications for agriculture, insurance, construction and mining.