Tel Aviv-based XTEND has acquired Singapore’s Performance Rotors, with the resulting combination of human-guided autonomous operations and drone-based inspection expertise broadening XTEND’s capabilities, global reach, and ability to deliver precise, safe solutions.
“Our acquisition of Performance Rotors marks the latest step in furthering XTEND’s vision of making remote interactive operations accessible to everyone, in a range of scenarios, including inspection, public safety and security,” said Aviv Shapira, cofounder and CEO at XTEND. “Every day, people risk their lives to make our world safer. Inspection is just one area, among many, where machines, robots and drones can be used to accomplish what people can’t, in a more economical, efficient and safer manner. We are delighted that Keith Ng, Performance Rotors’ cofounder and CEO, and his team are joining XTEND on our journey towards making XOS the operating system of choice for controlling drones, robots, vehicles, smart devices and smart machines remotely, safely, and intuitively.”
XTEND has developed a human-guided, VR-gesture autonomous machine system that enhances an operator’s ability to perform highly accurate maneuvers. The company’s XOS operating system fuses human intelligence and machine autonomy to control drones and smart machines as they safely carry out complex tasks that require human decision-making, safely and remotely. This has proved to be especially valuable for defense-oriented applications.
“Performance Rotors’ mission has always been to develop drones and robotics solutions for data acquisition in GPS-denied and confined space environments, without the risk to human lives,” said Ng. “Our extensive client base spans many of the world’s major oil and gas, maritime and infrastructure projects, and our hardware is being used across the world, particularly in APAC [Asia Pacific]. We are confident that combining XTEND’s innovative XOS software with our world-class technology brings the best of the industry together in one powerful and easy-to-use solution that comprehensively addresses the critical challenges facing our customers today.”
The acquisition was led by Chartered Group, a Singapore private equity firm that invests in companies supporting “a greener and more digitized world.”
“The acquisition of Performance Rotors not only enriches XTEND’s offering in industrial inspection,” Chartered chairman Eyal Agmoni said, “but it will also enable Aviv and his team to further diversify expertise in oil and gas, maritime and infrastructure projects, and develop XTEND’s software business globally, particularly here in APAC and Japan.”