Executive exodus from Intel depth and tracking tech arm RealSense continues
Former CTO leaves for car tech biz
Another key executive who was part of Intel's RealSense group – which is winding down operations – left the company this month.
Anders Grunnet-Jepsen, formerly chief technology officer of the RealSense group, has started a job as head of advanced development at Luminar.
"I will be moving across the country from Silicon Valley to Orlando to work for Luminar where I will head up development of their amazing next generation Computer Vision and Lidar products focused on making cars and trucks safer," Grunnet-Jepsen said in a note sent via a Luminar representative.
Luminar makes components and applications that are geared toward autonomous driving. Intel's Mobileye autonomous car business is listed as a partner on Luminar's website.
In a sense, Grunnet-Jepsen is moving in a direction where the wind is blowing. There is a growing demand for imaging cameras and sensors in the race for autonomous cars. Car makers are working independently with companies like Luminar to build homegrown autonomous car systems.
Intel in August confirmed a report from CRN that it was winding down the RealSense business.
The head of the RealSense Group, Sagi Ben Moshe, exited Intel in August.
Executives leaving divisions being shut down is not uncommon. Intel declined to comment on Grunnet-Jepsen's departure.
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RealSense products are still available on Intel's website, but most – minus a few exceptions – will be pulled from the market in February next year. An Intel spokeswoman confirmed the timeline.
Intel will continue making Stereo Camera products, which are being used in mobile autonomous robots. The cameras are more of a visual aid to robots, giving a snapshot of surroundings for artificial intelligence applications that include navigation.
"The EOL [end-of-life] announcement in August included a 6-month EOL period and the last time to buy is at the end of February 2022. RealSense will continue to sell the EOL products through Feb’22. Additionally, we will continue to sell the full Stereo Product line as the Stereo Cameras are not EOL," a spokeswoman said. ®