Valens Semiconductor, RGo Robotics and CHERRY Embedded Solutions have announced a strategic collaboration to advance the design of AI robotic systems. The partnership integrates RGo’s advanced Perception Engine, VA7000 MIPI A-PHY connectivity chipsets of Valens and CHERRY’s Rockchip-based hardware module. The combined solution aims to provide improved design flexibility and cost efficiency for manufacturers of mobile machines. The integrated approach addresses the common challenge of positioning processing units near camera sensors by extending high-bandwidth video signals over longer distances without compromising reliability.
Advanced robotic systems and intelligent mobile platforms increasingly rely on artificial intelligence algorithms that process video data from multiple cameras. Traditional sensor interfaces often limit the distance between cameras and processing units, leading to higher system complexity and increased costs. The new approach employs the MIPI A-PHY standard, which is the first SerDes specification for sensor connectivity on the widely adopted CSI-2 interface. Designed initially for automotive applications, this standard provides strong signal integrity even in demanding electromagnetic environments, making it suitable for various machine vision and autonomous navigation applications.
Executives from the three companies emphasized the benefits of the integrated solution. Amir Bousani, CEO of RGo Robotics noted that high-quality video data is essential for effective edge perception. Gili Friedman, Head of the Cross-Industry Business Unit at Valens Semiconductor highlighted the role of MIPI A-PHY in enabling flexible camera placement while maintaining performance. Both representatives said that the collaboration aims to simplify multi-camera system architecture and reduce overall system costs by allowing processing units to be located at a distance from the sensors.
CHERRY Embedded Solutions also acknowledged the value of integrating the VA7000 chipsets into its portfolio. Dr. Manfred Mueller, Head of Business Development at CHERRY stated that the new standard addresses a key challenge in machine vision applications. The partners will showcase their joint demonstration at Embedded World 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany from March 11 to 13. The display located in Hall 2 at Booth 454 will illustrate the system’s capability to support extended camera configurations and improved data transmission for various autonomous mobile machines.
