Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

3 Computer Vision Stocks for Long-Term Gains From AI

Photo of office building with Ambarella logo

Computer vision is central to edge computing and AI. Computer vision encompasses numerous optic-based inputs that computers can use to gather information. Optical inputs generate data continuously in high volume, so they are critical to the edge of computing, and the future of AI and the industry is well-positioned for gains. Names like NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) are seeing tremendous growth now, but once the infrastructure is in place and the apps are built, the next wave of AI will begin. That wave will include the widening use of IoT and connected devices based on technology developed by these companies. 

Ambarella is a pure Play on Edge-AI Computer Vision Applications

Ambarella (NASDAQ: AMBA) strives to be the NVIDIA of computer vision by focusing on low-power, high-efficiency computer vision platforms based on their proprietary chips, chipsets, and SoCs. The company struggles with traction now, but end-market normalization is in play, and growth should return soon without the impact of AI. 

With the impact of AI, Ambarella's computer vision technology should come into increasing demand from a widening number of end markets. Its semiconductor technology and software platform help computers track objects and predict motion in a 3-D environment. This technology applies to all forms of autonomous machines, including self-driving vehicles. 

Ambarella isn't a buy because of the outlook for this quarter or even this year but for next year and the year after. Amberella's struggles are expected to continue this year, but analysts are forecasting a pivot back to growth by the end of the year. Revenue is expected to accelerate sharply next year as end-market normalization turns into a tailwind and AI begins to impact the CV market. 

Analysts have trimmed their targets but continue to rate the stock at Moderate Buy with a 55% upside at the consensus. The most recent activity tracked by Marketbeat.com is two price target revisions to above the consensus price that points to a bottoming of sentiment. Assuming the Q1 report aligns with the current outlook, Ambarella shares could begin to rebound soon. The Q1 report is due at the end of May. 

amba stock chart for MarketBeat

Symbotic is Buiding Tomorrow's Robots Today

Symbotic (NASDAQ: SYM) is developing technology to automate warehouses and revolutionize life planetwide. That’s because its computer vision and automation technology applies to all forms of robotics and is advancing rapidly. The Computer Vision lab focuses on several technologies, including LIDAR and binocular vision, so its robots can see in detail and accurately. 

Symbotic is a Buy now because it is implementing its technology today. The company's revenue is growing double-digit, and high-profile clients like Walmart (NYSE: WMT) and Target (NYSE: TGT) support it, rolling the platform out across their networks. Revenue growth will likely be sustained at a double-digit pace because of a deal signed last year. Symbotic is working on GreenBox, a warehouse-automation-as-a-service business expected to unlock billions in untapped revenue. Analysts rate the stock as a Moderate Buy and see it advancing 32% at the consensus, with the consensus trending higher. 

sym stock chart for MarketBeat

Government Contracts validate Airship AI

Airship AI (NASDAQ: AISP) is a fledgling AI startup with a validated business leveraging computer vision for security purposes. Its AI-powered video surveillance and monitoring technologies are used by the US government and at least one other country to track border security. The company's revenue is small now but on track to snowball, and the market is paying attention. Price action in this stock perked up when the US announced a second contract from a US government agency earlier this year and accelerated to record highs when a third major contract, with Singapore, was announced. 

No analysts tracked by MarketBeat rate this stock yet, but that will likely change this year. The company forecasts triple-digit revenue growth and may easily exceed that forecast. Like Palantir, its AI capabilities are in demand by governments but also valuable for the private sector. The opportunity for investors is that AAirshipAI'splatform is an add-on, integrating with existing surveillance systems, and the $64 billion market is growing at a 10% CAGR. 

aisp stock chart for MarketBeat

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.