Photoneo Brightpick Group, renowned for its 3D technology and AI robotics, has entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Photoneo by Zebra Technologies (NASDAQ: ZBRA), leader in mobile computing and data capture for over 50 years.
The acquisition will combine Photoneo’s cutting-edge 3D machine vision technology with Zebra’s advanced sensors, AI-powered image processing, and vendor-agnostic software, offering customers a powerful suite of solutions for complex industrial challenges. The transaction, terms of which were not disclosed, is subject to customary closing conditions and expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.
“Zebra’s platform will provide the ideal environment for Photoneo”
Slovak startup Photoneo under Photoneo Brightpick Group has developed the highest-resolution and most accurate 3D cameras, enabling faster, more precise machine learning and robotic automation. The company’s sensors are highly effective in vision-guided robotic (VGR) applications, such as bin picking, depalletizing, and inspecting objects in industries like automotive manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce.
By integrating Photoneo’s expertise with Zebra’s global reach and software solutions, Zebra is poised to deliver enhanced value to its customers, accelerating automation and improving operational efficiency. “This acquisition strengthens our machine vision portfolio and helps our customers unlock new business value,” said Bill Burns, CEO of Zebra Technologies.
Zebra and Photoneo had already formed an OEM partnership in 2024, which further expanded Zebra’s 3D portfolio, making this acquisition a logical next step in advancing Zebra’s leadership in machine vision. The move builds on Zebra’s ongoing investments in machine vision, including the 2022 acquisition of Matrox Imaging, which expanded Zebra’s range of industrial scanners and software capabilities.
Jan Zizka, Co-founder and CEO of Photoneo, commented, “Zebra’s platform will provide the ideal environment for Photoneo to accelerate its innovation. Together, we can offer customers even greater solutions, tapping into new and exciting use cases across industries.”
Proceeds to be reinvested into Brightpick
Brightpick was founded in 2021 as a spin-off from Photoneo, both operating under one roof of Photoneo Brightpick Group. Following the acquisition, the Photoneo Brightpick Group will be renamed Brightpick and continue operating as a separate entity focused on developing and deploying AI robots to automate warehouse operations. The majority of the proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to accelerating Brightpick’s deployment of its AI robots across the U.S. and Europe.
To date, Brightpick has secured a total of $47 million in funding.“This transaction provides significant capital to reinvest in Brightpick and provide some return to shareholders,” said Jan Zizka.
“With Brightpick’s ARR growing 8x in 2024 and our 2025 production capacity nearly fully booked, this funding will enable us to scale manufacturing and deployment to meet soaring demand for our AI robots and serve even more customers.”
The acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, with Zebra funding the purchase using cash on hand. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Legal counsel to Zebra is provided by A&O Shearman LLP, while Dentons and Evercore Partners serve as advisors to Photoneo.
