Title: Mobileye’s Bold Leap into Robotics: A $900 Million Acquisition of Mentee Robotics Marks the Dawn of Mobileye 3.0
Article:
Mobileye, well-known for revolutionizing automotive safety through its innovative computer vision chips that enhance advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), is making significant waves once more. As a key player in the push for autonomous driving technology, the Intel subsidiary is now embarking on an exciting new journey—introducing what co-founder and president Amnon Shashua dubs “Mobileye 3.0.” This new chapter heralds a strategic foray into the realm of robotics, backed by a monumental acquisition.
In an announcement that turned heads during the CES event in Las Vegas, Mobileye revealed its plans to acquire Mentee Robotics, a startup co-founded by Shashua in 2022, for a staggering $900 million. The financial breakdown includes approximately $612 million in cash and a potential addition of up to 26.2 million shares of Mobileye’s common stock. To maintain transparency and ethical governance, Shashua recused himself from the board’s discussions regarding the acquisition.
The procurement, already greenlit by both Mobileye’s board and Intel—its principal shareholder—is expected to wrap up in the first quarter of next year. Though the integration of Mentee Robotics is poised to modestly escalate Mobileye’s operational costs in 2026, Shashua sees this merger as a leap forward into the future of robotics and artificial intelligence.
“This is a landmark moment for robotics and automotive AI, signaling the start of Mobileye 3.0,” Shashua proclaimed during the announcement. By joining forces with Mentee Robotics, which is pioneering advancements in humanoid robotics, Mobileye aims to leverage its expertise in automotive autonomy and AI to forge a new path in the world of physical AI—bridging the gap between human interaction and smart technology.
Mentee Robotics will operate as an independent entity within Mobileye, allowing for synergies while maintaining its unique identity. The merger underscores a broader shift towards a future where vehicles and robots can not only navigate the world autonomously but also understand human intent and behave naturally in various environments.
Mobileye’s rationale for this strategic acquisition is clear: the demand for humanoid robots is surging, and they aim to be at the forefront of this emerging trend. The company articulates its vision to “broaden the scope of business with a decisive step toward Physical Artificial Intelligence,” focusing on systems capable of contextual understanding and natural human interaction.
Financially, the company appears well-positioned to support such ambitious endeavors. Mobileye recently reported a robust automotive revenue pipeline projected to generate $24.5 billion over the next eight years—an upgrade of over 40% since early 2023. This financial muscle will be crucial in driving Mentee Robotics’ efforts toward tangible product development in the humanoid robotics space.
Moreover, the timing of this acquisition is notable; just prior, Mobileye announced a significant deal with a major automaker, securing orders for its next-gen EyeQ6H-based ADAS systems, further enhancing its reputation and operational capacity.
As Mobileye embarks on this transformative venture into humanoid robotics, the intersection of automotive technology and AI stands to redefine how machines coexist with and assist humans in everyday life. With Shashua at the helm, Mobileye is not just chasing innovation; it is paving the way for a future where the lines between vehicle autonomy and robotics blur, promising a world filled with extraordinary possibilities.