$20m is quite a lot to pay for patents and so they must have seen a big opportunity. Does POETs tech compliment Rockleys? If so, maybe they saw this as a chance to enhance the work Rockley started. I find it difficult to believe this is a play to go around POETs Starlight and more a natural fit for expansion.
Whatever the motive, CAI are a big player and this enhances its status. Looking forward to hearing more on POETs work with them.