Cognex Signs Deal to Acquire Israel-Based RealSense

Cognex said Tuesday it signed a definitive agreement to acquire RealSense for approximately $500 million in cash. The transaction includes a $56.5 million employee-retention program over three years and about $50 million in restricted stock units, according to the companies' announcement. RealSense, spun out of Intel in 2025, develops depth-sensing cameras and computer-vision technology for robots and other devices. RealSense chief executive Nadav Orbach said 135 of the company's 180 employees work in Haifa. The companies expect to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory clearance; RealSense's facial-authentication business is to be spun out before closing.