TRUMPF Sells Stakes in UWB Chip Developer, Partners with STMicroelectronics for UWB Positioning Technology

Laser and machine supplier TRUMPF and semiconductor manufacturer STMicroelectronics are entering into a partnership in the field of ultrawideband (UWB) positioning technology. Per an agreement between the companies, STMicroelectronics will acquire TRUMPF’s majority stake in BeSpoon, a developer of UWB systems.

STMicroelectronics will also pick up all remaining shares. Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

“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,” said Peter Leibinger, chief technology officer at TRUMPF. The agreement paves the way for TRUMPF to focus on the ongoing development of its Track&Trace indoor positioning and tracking system.

STMicroelectronics will continue to move toward developing industrial UWB chips in partnership with TRUMPF, which is also the co-founder of omlox, an open standard for locating technologies. It aims to build on growing UWB market potential in the industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

Based in Le Bourget-du-Lac, France, BeSpoon develops software and UWB chips for indoor localization. The technology enables positioning inside buildings, including harsh industrial environments. The company launched in 2010 and employs around 25.