Mobileye is set to acquire humanoid robot startup Mentee Robotics for $900 million, signaling a significant expansion into the robotics sector. The deal, announced at CES in Las Vegas, marks Mobileye's entry into what it calls "Mobileye 3.0," a strategic pivot towards robotics.

The acquisition agreement stipulates that Mobileye will pay approximately $612 million in cash and up to 26.2 million shares of common stock for Mentee Robotics. Amnon Shashua, co-founder and president of Mobileye, also co-founded and chairs Mentee Robotics and is a significant shareholder. He recused himself from Mobileye's board consideration and approval of the transaction. The Mobileye board and Intel, Mobileye's largest shareholder, approved the deal, which is expected to close in the first quarter. Mobileye anticipates a modest increase in operating expenses in 2026, estimated to be a low-single-digit percentage, as a result of the acquisition.

This move positions Mobileye to leverage its expertise in computer vision and autonomous driving technology in the burgeoning robotics market. The acquisition of Mentee Robotics provides Mobileye with a platform to develop and deploy humanoid robots for various applications, potentially impacting industries ranging from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and customer service. The market for robotics is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for automation and advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Mobileye's entry into this space could intensify competition and accelerate innovation.

Mobileye initially gained prominence by supplying automakers with computer vision chips for automotive safety features and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The Intel subsidiary later expanded its focus to autonomous driving technology through its chips and software. The acquisition of Mentee Robotics represents a strategic diversification beyond the automotive sector.

Looking ahead, Mobileye's integration of Mentee Robotics is expected to yield new products and services that combine Mobileye's existing technology with Mentee's robotics expertise. The company's long-term vision involves creating intelligent robots capable of performing complex tasks in diverse environments. The success of this venture will depend on Mobileye's ability to effectively integrate Mentee Robotics' technology and talent, as well as its capacity to navigate the challenges of the rapidly evolving robotics market.