Fairchild Takes over 3D Motion Tracking Innovator Xsens

At the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) Executive Forum in Munich, Germany, in mid-May, Fairchild formally announced its purchase of Xsens, a Dutch-based leading global supplier of 3D motion tracking products for the industrial, health, fitness and entertainment markets.

The acquisition of Xsens provides Fairchild with sensor fusion technologies that enable a seamless interaction between the physical and the digital world. The move significantly bolsters Fairchild’s micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) / sensor activities and is a critical part of the company’s ongoing innovation-focused technology transformation. With the addition of Xsens, Fairchild is now positioned to deliver state-of-the-art solutions for applications such as mobile, industrial control and stabilisation, health and fitness, as well as 3D character animation.

Building on a transformation of the company that started over a year ago, Fairchild is intent on creating a product development culture that delivers innovative solutions for newly emerging or fast growing markets, said Vijay Ullal, president and COO of Fairchild. By adding Xsens’ capabilities to the Fairchild team, the company can supply customers with unique and differentiated sensor-focused solutions for a variety of end markets, including both traditional industrial and mobile markets, as well as emerging markets such as smart interconnected devices (the Internet of Things), wearables and more, he added.

3D motion tracking

The Dutch company is excited to join the Fairchild team, according to Casper Peeters and Per Slycke, Xsens co-founders. Being part of Fairchild will allow them broader access to the technologies and resources required to further strengthen development of 3D motion tracking products, as well as to better serve current and future customers.

Xsens has a storied history. Since its inception in 2000, Xsens has deployed tens of thousands of motion sensors and motion capture solutions successfully in areas such as 3D character animation, rehabilitation and sports science, and robot and camera stabilisation. Customers include Electronic Arts, NBC Universal, Daimler, Autodesk, ABB, Siemens and various other leading institutes and companies throughout the world.

Xsens will operate as an independent subsidiary of Fairchild and will continue to be headquartered in Enschede, The Netherlands.