Qualcomm Acquires PickNik to Enhance Open-Source Robotics and AI Solutions
- Published
Qualcomm Technologies has announced its acquisition of PickNik, a robotics software company known for its stewardship of MoveIt, a leading open-source framework for robot manipulation. This acquisition aims to bolster Qualcomm's robotics software capabilities, facilitating the transition from AI models to production robotics systems. MoveIt, built on the Robot Operating System (ROS), supports various applications including industrial automation and service robotics.
The significance of this acquisition lies in Qualcomm's intention to integrate MoveIt and PickNik's commercial MoveIt Pro platform with its Dragonwing robotics platforms. This integration will enhance the connection between AI models and real-time robot control, thereby advancing the development of sophisticated robotic applications. Qualcomm has assured that MoveIt will remain open source, maintaining its community-driven approach and support for third-party hardware.
Qualcomm plans to showcase MoveIt Pro on VENTUNO Q and Dragonwing robotics platforms at ROSCon Toronto. The collaboration between Qualcomm and PickNik is expected to accelerate innovation in robotics, with a focus on maintaining the openness and community collaboration that have been pivotal to MoveIt's success. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Original report
Qualcomm to acquire PickNik to expand open-source robotics and physical AI capabilities
RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com · Sam FrancisThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
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