Cambridge Mechatronics raises $40M for smartphone imaging tech

Cambridge Mechatronics has raised $40 million for its actuators and controller built-in circuits that are utilized in smartphone imaging.

Cambridge Mechatronics (CML) has shipped its Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) expertise in over 70 million merchandise, together with a number of the world’s top-ranking smartphone cameras. With over 700 patents pending and granted, the corporate plans to broaden past smartphone imaging into healthcare, interactive leisure, and different purposes.

The rise of social media and video sharing implies that smartphone digicam efficiency is vitally necessary to smartphone manufacturers and their prospects. The SMA expertise generates a excessive drive in a really compact type issue which implies it may ship world main optical picture stabilisation (OIS) for movement free pictures and movies.

The funding spherical was oversubscribed and led by Atlantic Bridge, with co-leads from Intel Capital and Supernova, and extra participation from Sony Innovation Fund.

Cambridge Mechatronics focuses on disruptive options to reinforce smartphone imaging, using SMA actuators and controller ICs. SMA actuators present a excessive force-to-mass ratio, enabling exact actions for options like autofocus and optical picture stabilization in a extra compact design. Notably, SMA is freed from electromagnetic interference, providing a major benefit over incumbent voice coil motor expertise, the corporate stated.

Jörgen Lantto, chairman of Cambridge Mechatronics, stated in a press release, “We are delighted to welcome such a prominent group of global investors to CML. Their expertise and experience together with the capital raised will enable us to accelerate our plans for growth. The fact that this funding round was oversubscribed is a testament to the innovation of our talented employees developing world-leading SMA technology, and the wide range of applications where CML’s SMA technology can deliver industry-leading performance.”

The firm’s newly developed SMA Variable Aperture gives steady aperture management in a type issue smaller than the business commonplace. The patented Zero Hold Power expertise ensures that parts, such because the aperture, stay in place throughout picture seize with out consuming any energy.

Osman Kent, associate at Atlantic Bridge, stated in a press release, “We led this investment as we believe Cambridge Mechatronics has a unique and proven deep technology platform for SMA, which will usher new imaging paradigms for smartphones and beyond. Atlantic Bridge is excited to support Cambridge Mechatronics access new customers and markets and become the leader in camera control technology.”

Regis Saleur, CEO at Supernova Invest, highlighted CML’s alignment with their present portfolio in Deeptech and Photonics. Antonio Avitabile, managing director for EMEA at Sony Ventures, acknowledged the transformational influence of CML’s SMA actuator expertise within the smartphone business and past.

The funding will propel Cambridge Mechatronics to additional differentiate its product platforms, fostering progress in proficient groups and increasing its attain into new markets.

Arun Chetty, managing director at Intel Capital, stated in a press release, “Intel Capital is delighted to support CML during the next chapter of their development. We believe CML’s proven technology has the potential to revolutionise other markets such as precision drug delivery devices and haptics.”

The firm has 142 folks and is predicated in Cambridge, England. Prior to the present spherical, Cambridge Mechatronics raised $80 million.

The firm has a protracted historical past as an audio enterprise which was trying to find a greater actuator tech. The pivot to give attention to SMA and smartphone cameras occurred round 2010.