TRUMPF, STMicro agree strategic partnership for UWB technology

The high-tech company TRUMPF and the semiconductor manufacturer STMicroelectronics have concluded a strategic partnership in the field of UWB positioning technology. As part of this agreement, STMicroelectronics will acquire TRUMPF's majority stake in the UWB pioneer BeSpoon. The remaining shares will also be transferred to STMicroelectronics. Within the framework of the 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 nextgeneration products, it will also strengthen our role as a system provider," says Peter Leibinger, Chief Technology Officer at TRUMPF. As a developer and highvolume 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. Use cases 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.

The parties have agreed not to disclose details of the transaction.