Acquisition of Apical, a global leader in imaging and embedded computer vision
Expansion into new markets such as connected cars, robots, smart cities, and security systems

ARM has acquired Apical, a world-leading company in imaging and embedded computer vision technology that enables next-generation devices to understand information transmitted from their surrounding environment and perform intelligently.

Apical is one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the United Kingdom, and its advanced imaging products are used in over 1.5 billion smartphones and approximately 300 million internet cameras, digital cameras, tablets, and other consumer/industrial devices.

Through this acquisition, ARM will be able to develop new imaging products for next-generation automobiles, security systems, robots, mobile devices and all consumer electronics, smart buildings, industrial or retail applications requiring intelligent image processing. As a result, ARM's long-term growth strategy has gained stronger momentum. Apical's technology will complement the ARM® Mali™ graphics, display and video processor roadmap and includes products such as Spirit, Assertive Display, and Assertive Camera.

<Apical's Spirit Technology Introduction Video>

Spirit, a power-efficient computer vision technology, enables ARM and its partner companies to realize innovative advanced image computing on all devices. It consists of dedicated IP blocks that provide on-chip computer vision capabilities by converting raw sensor data or video into image formats that processors can handle.

Assertive Display, developed based on over a decade of research into human vision, reduces power consumption and overcomes brightness limitations, enabling screen adjustment according to changes in light.

Assertive Camera, composed of various image signal processors (ISP) and software packages, enhances performance including HDR (High Dynamic Range), noise reduction, and color management.

Simon Segars, CEO of ARM, stated: "Computer vision is in its early development stage, and devices operating through this remarkable technology are currently on a continuous growth trend. Apical, a pioneer in embedded computer vision technology, already leads the imaging products sector that enables intelligent devices to provide amazing new user experiences. ARM's partnership is addressing the technical challenges of next-generation products such as autonomous vehicles and advanced security systems. These technologies depend on dedicated image computing solutions, and Apical's technologies will play an important role in realizing them."

Founded in 2002, Apical is a highly successful imaging technology IP company with approximately 100 employees, most of whom work at its research facility located in Loughborough, United Kingdom. Apical's technology has been integrated into over 1.5 billion smartphones, including premium handsets that recorded the highest sales volume.

Michael Tusch, CEO and founder of Apical, stated: "Apical has led the industry through new imaging technology developed based on extensive research into human vision and visual processing. Through intelligent processing of products developed by Apical, cameras already support understanding their surrounding environment better and operating based on the most relevant information. These technologies, in conjunction with ARM's other products, will bring revolutionary innovation to the performance of visual computing devices and the way humans and machines interact, providing great value to ARM partners."