Do Androids dream of electric sheep? we're not sure but it seems Google does. Quietly exploring its options on robotics is Google has acquired several technology companies that can help it realize its moonshot dream of having robots in its portfolio. And, who better to lead the charge than former Android chief Andy Rubin?
Before starting with Apple, Rubin devoted his expertise in robotics with the German firm Carl Zeiss and is a man known in the tech community for crafting intelligent machines.
"Like any moonshot, you have to think of time as a factor. We need enough runway and a 10-year vision. I have a history of making my hobbies into a career. This is the world's greatest job. Being an engineer and a tinkerer, you start thinking about what you would want to build for yourself," Rubin said in a phone interview with The New York Times.
The search engine company is mum about the amount of funds being devoted to the futuristic cause but based on reports, it may be safe to assume that Google is not just making a coffee maker. Google has been known for committing itself to outlandish projects such as the Glass, self-driving vehicle, or balloons that can broadcast Wi-Fi signal, so surely robots is far from being bizarre.
Macquarie Securities analyst Ben Schachter has some insight with regard to Google and its robotics projects. Hints indicate that the company is throwing in a considerable amount but serves as a wise investment with billions in potential return in the future.
"People that I've spoken with at Google in the past have said if it's not going to be a $5 billion business, then it's not worth doing. Big companies think that these are potentially big markets. It's the validation of the idea that these are real businesses now," said Schacter in an interview with CNET.
Some of the companies acquired by Google include Redwood Robotics, a San Francisco-based company that focuses on robotic manipulators; Industrial Perception that makes robotic arms that assist in cargo truck operations; Autofuss, a company know have collaborated with Google for some commercials of its products; Bot & Dolly that makes robotic cameras; Japanese firm Schaft that develops a humanoid robot; Holomni, firm that makes high-tech wheels; and Meka Robotics that also produces humanoid robots.
Looking at the list of companies, one can put the puzzle together that Google plans to develop a hoard of robots that can serve various industries.
"I don't want to jump the gun, but having a company like Google come into this field is going to put a huge boost of momentum into the research side," said University of California at Berkeley professor Ken Goldberg.
The robotics team of Google is headquartered in Palo Alto but has another space in Japan devoted for its projects.
