Autonomy Software Looks Beyond Cars for Its Next Act

Mobileye’s robotics deal shows how autonomy software firms are seeking faster growth by applying their tech beyond cars

12 Jan 2026

A $900mn acquisition at the start of 2026 has underlined a quiet shift in the autonomy industry. Mobileye, the autonomous driving group majority-owned by Intel, has agreed to buy Mentee Robotics, with the deal expected to close in the first quarter subject to regulatory approval.

The transaction signals a widening focus for autonomy software developers, as progress towards fully self-driving passenger cars remains slow. Regulatory scrutiny, safety requirements and high development costs have limited large-scale deployment on public roads, forcing companies to look for nearer-term applications.

Mobileye has built its business around perception, mapping and decision-making systems designed for complex environments. While these capabilities were developed for vehicles, they are also suited to robots operating in warehouses, factories and logistics centres. Such settings are more structured than public roads and allow for faster and more predictable deployment.

Mentee Robotics develops systems for robots working in semi-controlled industrial environments. By acquiring the company, Mobileye gains access to platforms that can be commercialised more quickly than consumer vehicle autonomy. Industrial customers are often willing to accept gradual performance improvements, rather than demanding flawless operation from the outset.

Analysts say the move reflects a pragmatic response to market conditions. Fully autonomous passenger vehicles are still viewed as a long-term opportunity, while robotics offers a clearer path to revenue using software that is largely already in place. Training systems in simulation and refining them through limited real-world use mirrors established automotive development processes while reducing costs.

The deal also points to a broader industry trend. Autonomy software is increasingly seen as a reusable platform rather than a product tied to a single end use. Intel has identified artificial intelligence and autonomous systems as central to its growth strategy, and robotics provides a natural extension of those ambitions, particularly in industries facing labour shortages.

Risks remain. Advanced robotics is still an emerging market, and expanding into new sectors can stretch resources and management attention. Even so, for companies grappling with the slow pace of vehicle autonomy, moving beyond the car may offer a more immediate route to scale.