South Korean technology giant Samsung announced Wednesday that it will acquire French artificial intelligence company Sonio to strengthen its cutting-edge medical diagnostic systems.
The use of AI has exploded in recent years across a wide range of fields and industries, including healthcare, with companies around the world investing heavily to incorporate AI into their products.
According to a statement from the company, the acquisition of Sonio by medical device manufacturer Samsung Medison, an affiliate of global semiconductor and smartphone giant Samsung Electronics, will strengthen maternal care through AI-powered ultrasound systems.
“Our collaboration with Sonio brings a paradigm shift to prenatal ultrasound by integrating best-in-class ultrasound AI technology and reporting capabilities,” said Yong Kwan Kim, CEO of Samsung Medison. .
Samsung will acquire all of Sonio's shares for 126 billion won (about $92 million), according to public financial records.
The deal requires regulatory approval, including in France. After the agreement, Sonio's headquarters will remain in France.
“In addition to working closely with Samsung Medison, Sonio, as an independent company, will continue to advance medical reporting technology and diagnostic software around the world, including in underserved areas of health care.” said CEO Cecile Brosset.
Sonio's AI technology uses machine learning to enhance ultrasound accuracy, quality, and analysis.
The company's Sonio Detect product, approved for use in the United States, helps analyze fetal images, including brain and heart structures.
The acquisition marks Samsung's latest move to strengthen its AI products.
Samsung Electronics is the world's largest manufacturer of memory chips, including versions used in top-of-the-line AI hardware from industry leaders such as Nvidia.
The company is also the world's largest smartphone maker, and its latest model, released in January, is equipped with its own Galaxy AI technology.
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