Google acquires Boston Dynamics, military robot maker

Image of BigDog via Boston Dynamics

Google has purchased its eighth robotics company, Boston Dynamics. Google’s top secret initiative is led by Andy Rubin, the former head of Android. It will be interesting to see the developments that Rubin will cultivate while working with Google on its robotics endeavor. 

As Electronic Products reported earlier this month, Google is working to develop its own version of a robot delivery service. Since Amazon recently announced its drone-delivery plans, Google has stepped up its game, stretching plans to gather as much data as possible in the field of robotics. Similar to Amazon’s drones, Google would carry goods to its customers via robots. Google has already begun a grocery delivery service called “Google Shopping Express” in California.

Founded in 1992 by a former MIT professor, Boston Dynamics is contracted by the U.S. military to produce robots for governmental missions. This company creates some of the most advanced robots in the world. Large conglomerate companies like Sony have consulted for application and electronic development projects.

Many of the products that Boston Dynamics produces deal with mobile and off-road robotics technology, as requested by DARPA, the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. With Google’s acquisition of Boston Dynamics, all military contracts will DARPA will continue as planned.

The robots that Boston Dynamics have created have generated lots of buzz all over the interweb. Boston Dynamics’ walking robot videos have attracted millions of hits showing the complexity and versatility of the robots’ movements. The Atlas robot demonstrates dexterity across rough and rocky terrain, with the ability to walk and climb with both hands and feet. Atlas can also lift large objects. The WildCat robot looks like it was beamed down from a spaceship, as it races down the road.  The BigDog robot exhibits swiftness as it meanders over the various terrains of snow, rocks, and ice. Powered by an engine that contains a hydraulic actuation system, BigDog has on-board computer controls, sensors, and navigation systems. The sensors monitor how the engine is functioning, the oil temperature, battery charge, and hydraulic pressure of the machine.

Atlas robot image via Boston Dynamics

With the expertise of Boston Dynamics, Google will be soon be golden in the field of robotics. The partnership of Google and Boston Dynamics will surely pave for interesting technological developments and create revolutionary innovations.

Story via Boston Dynamics, BBC