The companies announced the definitive agreement on September 22. Cognex will fund the purchase entirely from existing cash and investments, with the transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026 subject to customary closing conditions.
RealSense expects to generate $80 million to $90 million in revenue in 2026, representing growth of more than 50% from the prior year, according to figures disclosed by Cognex. The company estimates the robotic-perception market at approximately $600 million today and projects it will grow more than 25% annually to around $1.6 billion by 2030. Those market estimates are company figures.
Originally developed inside Intel and spun out as an independent company in 2025, RealSense develops depth cameras and perception technology used for robotic navigation, manipulation and spatial understanding. Its technology is deployed across fixed robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots, quadrupeds and humanoids. RealSense specifically lists LimX Dynamics among companies using its stereo-depth technology for humanoid navigation and manipulation.
Cognex plans to combine RealSense’s depth-sensing platform with its existing industrial identification and 2D and 3D machine-vision products. RealSense will gain access to Cognex’s industrial customer base and global sales network.
Separate from the $500 million purchase price, Cognex plans a three-year employee retention program with $56.5 million in target cash payments and approximately $50 million in restricted stock units.
