New Collaboration Leverages MIPI A-PHY for Smarter, Cost-Effective AI-Driven Mobile Robotics
Valens Semiconductor (NYSE: VLN), RGo Robotics, and CHERRY Embedded Solutions, announced a partnership to enhance the design and deployment of AI robotic systems. This collaboration integrates RGo's advanced Perception Engine, Valens' VA7000 MIPI A-PHY connectivity chipsets, and CHERRY's Rockchip-based hardware module, delivering unprecedented design flexibility, cost-efficiency, and performance for mobile machines manufacturers, without compromising on performance.
Advanced robotic and intelligent mobile systems rely on AI algorithms, operating primarily on video data from cameras. Short-range connectivity constraints of camera interfaces have often forced developers to place processing units adjacent to cameras, increasing system cost and complexity. Valens' MIPI A-PHY solution, offers the robotics industry reliable high-bandwidth extension.
MIPI A-PHY is the first SerDes standard for sensor connectivity of the widely used CSI-2 interface, ensuring the reliable extension of high bandwidth video to a centralized processing unit over extended distances. As a standard designed for automotive environments, MIPI A-PHY offers exceptional signal integrity for highly demanding electromagnetic conditions. As such, the technology is well suited for machine vision applications including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), edge perception for human driven machines, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and service robots.
"Our Robotics Perception Engine demands high-quality video data, and that's exactly what Valens' connectivity solution provides while allowing us to distance the processing unit from the sensors," said Amir Bousani, Co-Founder & CEO at RGo Robotics. "This will lead to more sensor fusion with optimized designs, while significantly reducing system costs and complexity."
"Our collaboration with RGo Robotics underscores the critical role of MIPI A-PHY technology in delivering high-performance connectivity for AI-driven perception systems," said Gili Friedman, Head of the Cross-Industry Business Unit at Valens Semiconductor. "With our VA7000 MIPI A-PHY chipsets, we're allowing robotics developers to optimize camera placement in their systems, paving the way for smarter, more efficient automation. This automotive-grade standard is the foundation for innovation, across industries."
"The addition of Valens VA7000 MIPI A-PHY connectivity into our portfolio opens new opportunities for our platform," said Dr. Manfred Mueller, Head of Business Development at CHERRY Embedded Solutions. "Valens and A-PHY solve a pain point for the machine vision industry. With this standard, our customers will be able to simplify their multi-camera system architecture."