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Cadence Design to Acquire Hexagon’s Engineering Unit for $3.16 Billion

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Cadence Design Systems (CDNS.O) announced on Thursday that it will acquire the design and engineering (D&E) business of Sweden’s Hexagon AB (HEXAb.ST) for €2.7 billion ($3.16 billion). The U.S.-based chip design software leader will finance the deal with 70% cash and 30% in newly issued shares to Hexagon.

Cadence, whose clients include Nvidia and Qualcomm, is a global leader in electronic computer-aided design (ECAD) tools that underpin chip development and verification. By acquiring Hexagon’s D&E unit, which specializes in structural and multibody dynamics simulation, Cadence will expand into adjacent markets such as aerospace and automotive engineering.

Hexagon’s D&E division generated nearly €265 million in revenue in 2024 and employs over 1,100 people worldwide. Its customer roster includes industry heavyweights such as Volkswagen Group, BMW, and Lockheed Martin, providing Cadence with a stronger foothold in the automotive and aerospace sectors.

The deal builds on Cadence’s acquisition of BETA CAE Systems in 2024 for $1.24 billion, further strengthening its simulation and engineering software capabilities. The Hexagon transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Cadence has agreed to pay a reverse termination fee of up to €175 million if the deal falls through.

With this acquisition, Cadence is positioning itself as not only a key player in semiconductor design software but also as a broader engineering solutions provider, extending its reach beyond chips into high-performance industries reliant on advanced simulations.

Honda-backed Helm.ai Unveils Vision System for Self-Driving Cars

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Helm.ai, a California-based startup backed by Honda Motor, introduced its new camera-based urban environment interpretation system called Helm.ai Vision. The company is negotiating with multiple automakers to integrate its self-driving technology into mass-market vehicles.

Helm.ai is collaborating with Honda to embed the system in the upcoming 2026 Honda Zero series of electric vehicles, which will enable hands-free driving and allow drivers to take their eyes off the road.

CEO and founder Vladislav Voroninski told Reuters that the company’s business model centers on licensing this software, including foundation model software, to automakers. Helm.ai’s vision-focused system aligns with Tesla’s approach, relying on cameras rather than sensors like lidar or radar, which can add significant costs.

Voroninski acknowledged Helm.ai’s foundation models can work with other sensors but emphasized that the primary offering remains vision-centric. Industry experts, however, highlight that supplementary sensors such as lidar and radar are vital for safety, especially under poor visibility conditions.

In contrast, robotaxi companies like Alphabet’s Waymo and May Mobility use a sensor fusion approach combining radar, lidar, and cameras to ensure comprehensive environment perception.

Helm.ai has raised $102 million to date, with investors including Goodyear Ventures, Korean auto parts maker Sungwoo HiTech, and Amplo.

The Helm.ai Vision system merges inputs from multiple cameras to create a bird’s-eye view map that enhances vehicle planning and control. It is optimized for hardware platforms from Nvidia, Qualcomm, and others, facilitating automakers’ integration of Helm.ai Vision into existing vehicle systems.

Japan’s TDK Acquires U.S. Smart Glasses Company SoftEye

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Japanese electronics manufacturer TDK announced on Thursday it has acquired SoftEye, a U.S.-based company specializing in software and hardware for smart glasses. This acquisition supports TDK’s strategy to find new growth drivers linked to artificial intelligence (AI).

SoftEye, headquartered in San Diego, California, develops eye-tracking and object recognition technologies. Its founder and CEO, Te-Won Lee, has previously held executive roles at Samsung Electronics and Qualcomm.

According to a source familiar with the deal, the acquisition is valued at under $100 million.

Tech companies are increasingly investing in hardware beyond smartphones, with smart glasses gaining attention. Facebook owner Meta and others are focusing on AI-powered smart glasses to enhance user interaction with their environment. Social media company Snap plans to launch consumer smart glasses next year, and Alphabet’s Google recently showcased smart glasses at its developer conference. Chipmaker Qualcomm also unveiled a smart glasses processor this month.

TDK, once famous for its cassette tapes, now plays a key role in electronics by supplying components and batteries for smart glasses.