Google Buys Robotics Company Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics, a robotics company known for its work with DARPA, has been acquired by tech giant Google.

Boston Dynamics, a robotics company known for its work with DARPA in producing humanoid robots like Atlas and the quadrupedal Legged Squad Support System, has been acquired by Google. It is the eighth robotic firm acquisition by the tech giant.

The deal is reportedly being spearheaded by Andy Rubin, the person responsible for the development of the Android platform for smart phones.

As few details have been released, many continue to speculate about Google’s long-term plans. “The deal is also the clearest indication yet that Google is intent on building a new class of autonomous systems that might do anything from warehouse work to package delivery and even elder care,” wrote John Markoff in the New York Times.

Boston Dynamics has worked with multiple branches of the military, including the US Army, Navy and Marine Corps, in producing robotics.