Camtek Ltd, a prominent provider of inspection and metrology solutions for the semiconductor sector, announced that it has entered into a final agreement to acquire Visual Layer, an AI-focused firm based in Tel Aviv known for its expertise in visual analytics.

Visual Layer was established by Danny Bickson and Amir Alush and is supported by top Silicon Valley venture capital investors. The company contributes advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, including proprietary technologies and a talented team of AI specialists and software engineers with strong expertise in visual AI. Over the past year, Camtek has collaborated closely with Visual Layer, incorporating its solutions into its own products and working together extensively in research and development, gaining deep familiarity with the company’s technology, personnel, and execution.

Rafi Amit, Camtek’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that AI has been a key strategic focus for the company, and acquiring Visual Layer represents a major advancement in both the scope and speed of its development efforts. He noted that Visual Layer’s technology and team complement Camtek’s ongoing initiatives, and expressed confidence that the acquisition will strengthen the company’s ability to meet the evolving demands of the market. He also highlighted the strong cultural alignment between the two organizations, particularly their shared emphasis on innovation and customer-centricity, reinforced by their year-long collaboration.

Lior Aviram, Executive Chairman of Camtek, added that the semiconductor industry is clearly moving toward AI-powered inspection and metrology solutions, which will shape future competition. He emphasized that Camtek aims to be at the forefront of this shift and expects near-term benefits such as enhanced product performance and efficiency. Additionally, he pointed to opportunities beyond the company’s core business, including the development of AI-driven software and analytics solutions that could generate recurring revenue streams over time.

Danny Bickson, CEO, and Amir Alush, CTO of Visual Layer, commented that semiconductor manufacturing is one of the most complex and strategically significant industries globally, with Camtek playing a central role. They explained that Visual Layer was designed specifically to tackle challenges in industrial visual intelligence, and their collaboration with Camtek over the past year demonstrated how AI can significantly improve production capabilities. Joining Camtek, they said, provides access to broader resources, customers, and scale, enabling greater impact. They also expressed their goal of expanding Camtek’s AI division into a leading center of excellence capable of attracting top-tier talent.

The acquisition is subject to standard closing conditions and is anticipated to be finalized within the coming weeks. Financial details were not disclosed.

Further updates are expected alongside Camtek’s first-quarter 2026 financial results, scheduled for release in May 2026.

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Walmart de México y Centroamérica, Mexico’s largest retail chain, is broadening its partnership with Vusion, a global provider of AI-driven solutions for in-store digital transformation. The collaboration will bring Vusion’s EdgeSense connected store platform to Walmart Express locations while laying the groundwork for upgrades across its Supercenter network.

This move builds on the companies’ expanding global relationship, following successful implementations of Vusion’s connected store technologies in Walmart’s U.S. operations. The latest rollout strengthens Vusion’s position as a key technology partner in Walmart’s journey toward smarter, more connected retail environments.

Under the agreement, all Walmart Express outlets in Mexico will be equipped with EdgeSense by the end of 2026, representing the platform’s first large-scale deployment in Latin America. After this phase, Walmart plans to extend the technology to its Supercenters, accelerating its broader store modernization efforts.

As part of the initial rollout, Walmart Express stores will feature over 1.7 million electronic shelf labels and more than 180,000 EdgeSense smart rails—making it one of the region’s largest implementations of connected retail technology.

In addition, Walmart Mexico will pilot the solution within its Bodega store format to assess how the technology can be adapted across different store types as part of its long-term strategy.

EdgeSense serves as Vusion’s advanced connected store platform, integrating smart shelving, computer vision, artificial intelligence, electronic shelf labeling, and real-time data into a unified system for brick-and-mortar retail. This enables retailers to streamline operations, enhance inventory management, and unlock data-driven insights for merchandising and customer engagement.

Through this initiative, Walmart Mexico aims to:

Paul Lewellen, Chief Operating Officer of Walmart de México y Centroamérica, noted that the rollout will enhance store operations while allowing associates to focus more on customer service. He emphasized that the initiative is a key step toward improving operational efficiency and elevating the shopping experience for millions of customers across Mexico.

Philippe Bottine, Deputy CEO and EVP for Vusion Americas, described the expansion as a significant milestone in the companies’ shared vision of building the store of the future. He highlighted how combining AI, computer vision, and real-time data can drive operational excellence while improving experiences for both employees and shoppers.

With this deployment, Walmart Mexico becomes the first retailer in Latin America to implement EdgeSense at scale, reinforcing its position as a regional leader in retail innovation. Vusion will continue to support Walmart Mexico as it advances its connected store strategy and accelerates the digital transformation of its retail operations.

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Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Honeywell have expanded their partnership to create AI-driven solutions tailored for the energy sector. As part of this collaboration, Honeywell will integrate Qualcomm Technologies' AI and connectivity advancements into applications like the Honeywell Field Process Knowledge System (PKS). This integration aims to enhance the Field PKS by providing remote connectivity within plant and manufacturing sites, enabling improved data collection and edge analytics.

Qualcomm Technologies brings a robust portfolio of energy-efficient, AI-enabled processors with built-in wireless connectivity (including 450 MHz, Wi-Fi, LPWA, modems, and private 4G/5G networks), complemented by software and computer vision capabilities. Combined with Honeywell’s advanced sensing technologies, this collaboration will produce a suite of industrial sensors designed to monitor process parameters, asset conditions, and environmental factors. These innovations will equip field and service technicians with more comprehensive insights, promoting faster, more precise, and interactive problem-solving.

“We are dedicated to advancing on-device generative AI solutions to expand the intelligent edge, supporting digital transformation across industries,” said Nakul Duggal, Group General Manager for Automotive, Industrial, Embedded IoT, and Cloud Computing at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “This partnership with Honeywell strengthens how businesses interact with their environments through intelligent, responsive systems. With the addition of Sequans’ 4G IoT technology to our portfolio, we’re further enhancing our Industrial IoT offerings.”

Pramesh Maheshwari, President of Honeywell Process Solutions, highlighted the benefits of combining Qualcomm Technologies’ cutting-edge AI processors with Honeywell’s advanced technologies, noting that it will empower field workers, optimize systems, and elevate process industry performance. “By introducing AI-driven solutions like the Field PKS, Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent, and advanced sensor technologies, we’re transforming the potential of mobile technicians and autonomous operations in the process industry,” Maheshwari said.

Earlier collaborations between the companies included an AI-powered Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent for mobile workers in sectors like retail and distribution. This system, driven by Qualcomm Technologies, enables interaction through voice, images, and video. In 2025, Honeywell plans to integrate Computer Vision capabilities into the Multi-Modal Intelligent Agent as part of its Field PKS system.
 
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