Cognex agrees to acquire RealSense for about $500 million

Cognex has agreed to buy RealSense for about $500 million in cash, adding cameras and software that help robots judge the distance and position of objects. Cognex plans to fund the purchase with cash and investments on its balance sheet. RealSense's depth cameras could extend Cognex's industrial vision systems from inspecting products and guiding fixed-arm robots to helping robots navigate changing surroundings. Before closing, RealSense will separate its facial authentication product line; Cognex will acquire the remaining depth-camera and robotic-perception business. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary conditions.