Valeo & Seeing Machines partner for enhanced driver monitoring
Valeo and Seeing Machines have announced a strategic collaboration intended to fortify their positions in the driver and occupant monitoring systems (OMS) market. As part of this agreement, Valeo is transferring its driver monitoring perception software activity to Seeing Machines. The transaction includes the acquisition of Berlin-based Asaphus, a Valeo-owned start-up specialising in deep-learning technologies for driver and interior monitoring software. These activities will now be managed by Seeing Machines.
The collaboration will enable Valeo to harness Seeing Machines' expertise in interior monitoring perception software, integrating it into the hardware and software architecture of its driver and occupant monitoring systems. This alignment aims to create a full-system solution for interior sensing, a sector currently witnessing significant growth. The collaboration is timely, as upcoming regulations are set to make such equipment mandatory. The strategic partnership positions both companies to meet this regulatory-driven demand effectively.
Seeing Machines is expected to benefit from an enhanced presence in Europe by leveraging Valeo's existing infrastructure. Having a team based in Berlin will enable Seeing Machines to better address the European market with advanced monitoring solutions, catering more effectively to an expanding customer base in the region. Additionally, Asaphus' proprietary technology and specialised development team, known for their expertise in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for driving and sensing features, will be integrated into Seeing Machines' operations. This integration is expected to accelerate their feature development roadmap and maintain their leadership position in OMS technology.
Marc Vrecko, CEO of Valeo Brain Division, emphasised the mutual benefits of the collaboration by stating, "We are delighted with this collaboration with Seeing Machines. It is another demonstration of Valeo's ability to build the ground for successful cooperation with core technology companies. These last 5 years, with Asaphus, we have been able to grow the company, develop their AI perception technologies and build a solid position in interior monitoring systems. Combining our teams with Seeing Machines, we will benefit from the best in class perception software to integrate into our hardware and software architecture for driver and occupant monitoring systems. Together, we will be able to provide more competitive solutions and strengthen our market position."
Paul McGlone, CEO of Seeing Machines, echoed this sentiment, adding, "With our shared culture of innovation, this collaboration will enable our team to continue to lead the interior sensing market as we complement our highly specialised skills and work with Valeo, a world-leading automotive technology company, to deliver driver and occupant monitoring solutions to more automotive customers globally. As regulations making driver monitoring systems mandatory across the EU come into effect this month, the market for enhanced safety and convenience solutions is expanding daily. Thanks to our proven, class-leading technology, we are very well placed to solidify our industry leadership position, supporting our customers in getting their programs successfully to production."
Both companies are committed to delivering innovative and integrated interior sensing solutions to the automotive industry, which may enhance vehicle safety and occupant comfort. The strategic collaboration of Valeo and Seeing Machines is poised to leverage complementary technologies and customer bases, thereby strengthening their position in the advancing and regulatory-driven OMS market.
