EXPLORINEER
en

Archive — US — techcrunch

Mobileye acquires humanoid robot startup Mentee Robotics for $900M

Mobileye has acquired humanoid robot startup Mentee Robotics for $900 million, incorporating its expertise into Mobileye 3.0, a new phase focusing on robotics and physical AI. The deal includes $612 million cash and shares, with plans to expand into humanoid robotics while continuing to enhance automotive AI technologies.

Key points

  • Mobileye, co-founded by Amnon Shashua, is moving towards robotics with the acquisition of Mentee Robotics for $900 million, which includes $612 million in cash and shares.
  • The transaction is approved by the Mobileye board and Intel, expected to close in Q1 of 2026.
  • Shashua recused himself from the decision to avoid conflicts, indicating the independence of Mentee as a unit within Mobileye.
  • Mobileye aims to leverage Mentee's advancements in humanoid robotics to enhance automotive AI and physical AI overall, signaling a strategic pivot in its business model.
  • The automotive revenue pipeline for Mobileye stands at $24.5 billion over the next eight years, up 40% from earlier estimates.

Why it matters

  • The acquisition aligns with growing interest in humanoid robotics across tech industries as various companies explore applications beyond traditional sectors.
  • Mobileye is establishing a presence in the robotics market to diversify its technology offerings amid a competitive landscape for AI and automation.
  • Similar acquisitions and investments in robotics are noted across tech companies, reflecting a trend towards integrating AI into various physical applications.

Mobileye's $900 million acquisition of Mentee Robotics marks a significant investment in the future of robotics and AI, showcasing its ambition to lead in the rapidly evolving intersection of these fields.