Ispringen-based broadband component distributor Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente is acquiring a 30% stake in Leonberg-based AI machine vision provider collective mind.
The two companies are combining their expertise in component distribution and AI-automated image processing to offer advanced digitalization solutions for medium-sized customers. In addition to logistics and consulting expertise, Rutronik will primarily contribute its hardware expertise at the product level of electronic components. This is already being tested together with collective mind's software expertise in AI-based image processing methods in practical scenarios such as logistics and shipping. According to Fabian Plentz, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Rutronik, the trend is towards complete embedded solutions with powerful, compact hardware for computationally intensive AI applications. The integration of hardware and software is often a major challenge here, as this cannot usually be offered from a single source. According to Plenz, the two companies hope to achieve tangible time and cost benefits for customers and interested parties by pooling their expertise.
