Trumpf and STMicro partner on ultra wideband positioning systems

Industrial laser and machine tool supplier Trumpf and semiconductor manufacturer STMicroelectronics have agreed a strategic partnership in the field of ultra wideband (UWB) positioning technology.

As part of this agreement, STMicroelectronics will acquire Trumpf's majority stake in the UWB systems developer BeSpoon. The remaining shares will also be transferred to STMicroelectronics. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Under the new strategic partnership, Trumpf will focus on the ongoing development of its Track&Trace indoor positioning and tracking system. "This partnership will enable us to expand Trumpf's pioneering role in localization systems for industry.

"As well as laying the foundations for our next- generation products, it will also strengthen our role as a system provider," commented Peter Leibinger, Chief Technology Officer at Trumpf.

Industrial UWB chip partnership

As a developer and high-volume manufacturer of semiconductor devices, STMicroelectronics will be injecting the expertise required to develop the next generation of industrial UWB chips in partnership with Trumpf. Trumpf is also the co-founder of omlox, an open standard for locating technologies.

BeSpoon has been developing software and UWB chips for indoor localization since 2010. The company is based in Le Bourget-du-Lac, France, and employs around 25 people. The technology enables positioning with centimeter accuracy inside buildings, including harsh industrial environments.

Applications for UWB technology include industrial manufacturing and the automotive and consumer sectors. By acquiring BeSpoon, STMicroelectronics aims to build on the rapidly growing market potential of UWB in the industrial, automotive and personal electronics markets.