Tesla Acquires DeepScale

Tesla Inc. has acquired DeepScale Inc., a Mountain View, Calif.-based startup that specializes in machine learning technology for autonomous vehicle systems, according to multiple reports.

The deal, which was first reported by CNBC, is said to give Tesla full ownership of the tech company. Tesla declined to comment.

Deepscale co-founder and CEO Forrest Iandola confirms that he is joining Tesla in a LinkedIn post. He lists himself as a senior machine-learning scientist on Tesla’s Autopilot team, which is responsible for the company’s autonomous driving technology.

Founded in 2015, Deepscale previously raised about $15 million in Series A funding. The company says it has developed a deep neural network system that can use existing low-wattage processors to cut the cost of advanced perception systems needed for self-driving cars.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said the company aims to launch a robo-taxi service in coming years. Tesla’s controversial Autopilot system currently is considered a Level 2 autonomous technology. But the carmaker says its latest in-house hardware can support full autonomy once compatible software is refined and validated.

Besides giving Tesla access to Deepscale’s technology, the acquisition helps the carmaker replenish its engineering staff. Several key executives have left Tesla in recent months. Among them is engineering vice president Stuart Bowers, who joined Tesla in 2018 to oversee Autopilot and other projects.