Google (GOOG) Makes Another Robotics Acquisition with Purchase of Boston Dynamics

Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) affirmed that it completed the acquisition of Boston Dynamics last Friday for an undisclosed sum.

Boston Dynamics designs mobile research robots for the Pentagon. The New York Times noted that Boston Dynamics was the eighth robotics company Google acquired over the past six months.

Boston Dynamics' most notorious invention is named BigDog, a four-legged robot which is able to negotiate rocky, snowy, and hilly terrain. The company also has robots named Cheetah and WildCat, the former being able to speeds of 28.3 miles per hour on a treadmill, setting a new robot land speed world record in the process.

The company might plan several ventures with the recent acquisitions, which include companies from the United States and Japan. Autonomous warehouse workers or delivery agents might be two key areas the company would explore.

Despite the excitement built up about robotic delivery systems stemming from comments made by Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN) Jeff Bezos a few weeks back the the company was working on drones to deliver packages, Google's plan is more long-term then something that might happen tomorrow or the next year.

Google also plans to honor all existing government contracts that Boston Dynamics is under, but doesn't plan to become a military contractor itself.

Shares of Google are

The video of the Cheetah robot is below:

---

Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

---

You May Also Be Interested In

• Google execs convened 'all-hands' meeting last week to address AI unit reorganizations amid staff concerns - Reuters
• Paramount Skydance clears global regulators for WBD deal, faces state AG suit
• Star Equity to acquire Harte Hanks for $5.00 per share