Qualcomm (QCOM.US) acquires robotics software company PickNik to strengthen its presence in the physical AI field

According to Zhihu Finance APP, Qualcomm (QCOM.US) announced on Wednesday that it will acquire robotics software company PickNik to enhance its presence in the physical AI and robotics sectors. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed, and the transaction is still subject to customary closing conditions.

According to available information, PickNik owns MoveIt, an open-source robotics operating framework. Qualcomm stated that after the acquisition is completed, MoveIt will be integrated with Qualcomm's own Dragonwing Robotics and Arduino platforms to help build the next generation of robots. Qualcomm added that MoveIt 1 and MoveIt 2 will remain open-source and continue to support third-party hardware platforms.

Nakul Duggal, an executive at Qualcomm, said in a statement: “Robotics is one of the most exciting frontiers of physical AI, and software is the bridge that turns great hardware into great robots. Through its stewardship of MoveIt and commitment to open-source innovation, PickNik has gained tremendous trust within the global robotics community. Both parties plan to jointly lower the threshold for developers building advanced robotic applications on the Dragonwing Robotics platform, while continuing to support the openness and collaborative spirit that have made MoveIt so successful.”