Iván Hernández Dalas: Lidar maker Ouster adds cameras with StereoLabs acquisition

An aerial drone equipped with an Ouster lidar sensor.

An aerial drone equipped with a Ouster lidar sensor. | Credit: Ouster

Lidar maker Ouster is acquiring StereoLabs for $35 million and 1.8 million shares. StereoLabs makes vision-based perception systems for robots and industrial applications. Ouster said the deal enables it to offer a unified sensing and perception platform that combines lidar, cameras, AI compute, sensor fusion and perception software.

StereoLabs, founded in 2010, said it has shipped more than 90,000 ZED cameras to over 10,000 customers, and will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary with its founding team continuing to lead the business. Ouster develops the OS Series and DF Series lidar sensors for 3D perception.

By integrating the product lines, Ouster said it aims to simplify development for robotics platforms that must sense, think and act reliably in complex environments.

“This acquisition builds on Ouster’s momentum and positions us as the foundational end-to-end sensing and perception platform for physical AI,” said Ouster CEO Angus Pacala. “StereoLabs is a world-class perception company recognized for its market-leading stereo cameras and AI vision software, making it a natural fit for Ouster’s next stage of growth. With seamless sensor fusion, we are addressing the unprecedented pull for both lidar and vision as industries transition from simple automation towards Physical AI. Together, we offer a unified platform that simplifies and accelerates customer development, harnesses combined investments in AI training and models, brings thousands of new customers into the Ouster ecosystem, and cements our leadership as we enable real-world autonomy across industries.”

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The StereoLabs acquisition is the latest in a string of moves by Ouster to expand both its technology portfolio and market reach. In October 2021, Ouster acquired Sense Photonics, a developer of solid-state flash lidar. In February 2023, Ouster merged with Velodyne Lidar to create one of the largest lidar players with expanded customer reach.

“The future of autonomy isn’t about choosing between vision or lidar, it’s about unifying them,” said StereoLabs CEO Cecile Schmollgruber. “By combining StereoLabs’ AI vision with Ouster’s digital lidar, we are creating the world’s most capable perception platform to directly address customers’ primary sensor fusion requirements and enable machines to sense, think, act, and learn in the physical world.”

These moves echo a broader trend toward consolidation and integration of sensing technologies for robotics. For example, other firms in the space have executed similar transactions. Just last month, MicroVision bought the lidar assets from Luminar for $33 million. Luminar declared bankruptcy in December 2025.

Ouster said the combined company will begin consolidating StereoLabs’ financial results in its consolidated financial statements in the first quarter of fiscal 2026.

The post Lidar maker Ouster adds cameras with StereoLabs acquisition appeared first on The Robot Report.



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