Axis acquires video analytics provider Cognimatics

STOCKHOLM—Several days after purchasing an audio company, network video giant Axis Communications on June 3 acquired Cognimatics, a video analytic provider that specializes in retail applications.

Based in Lund, Sweden, Cognimatics was founded in 2003 and has 12 employees, two of whom are based in the U.S.

In an email interview with Security Systems News, Axis VP Americas Fredrik Nilsson described Cognimatics as a “leading company of store-optimizing solutions targeting the retail sector.”

The deal “strengthens and extends our offering of store optimization to the retail segment, which is a growing market. We continue to build on a strategy of offering integrated, best-of-breed solutions.”

Specifically, Cognimatics' video analytic technology is used for people-counting, queue measurement and occupancy estimation.

The two companies have worked together for many years. “Cognimatics has been a long-time member of the Axis Application Development Partner (ADP) Program,” Nilsson said.

Cognimatics has customers in 70 countries and a global distribution and systems integrator network, according to Axis.

Axis has made several acquisitions in recent months, including a May 31 purchase of audio and intercom provider 2N, and the February purchase of Citilog, a provider of intelligent real-time video monitoring for traffic and transportation security and safety.

Asked about the recent surge in acquisitions, Nilsson said “Axis' vision is to be innovating for a smarter, safer world. The recent acquisitions strengthen Axis' ability to do so by having more connected devices and solutions with 2N, the leader in global leader IP Intercom. We are also focusing on providing more value to our key end user segments such as, retail and transportation, with solutions from Cognimatics and Citilog.”

Nilsson declined to comment on future acquisitions beyond saying, “We will always be looking for ways to improve products, solutions and skills, through internal developments, partnerships and other business agreements.”