Recall that initially when POET sold DL they expected to continue using the expertise in that company for new product development which may include POET paying NRE. And there was also as I recall efforts to share new IP that came from joint development.
As I see it POET is continuing to grow head count and dedicated technical strength as the company adds new products. The bonding machines/robots have to be set up/taught how to build new designs. A very exciting automated approach that does not require manual labor.