Andre Yoskowitz
12 Feb 2014 19:43
Foxconn, one of the largest manufacturers on the planet, has been secretly working with Google on their robotics dreams, says sources.
The sources claim that Foxconn has been working with former Android boss Andy Rubin, who now heads up the robotics division at Google. To be able to speed up deployment from their factories, Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou recently met with Rubin to discuss the new technologies.
Rubin is said to have asked the chairman to "help integrate a technology company that Google is acquiring as Foxconn's strength lies in mechanical engineering."
Google has been not-so-quietly building a massive robotics division, acquiring eight robotics companies in the last year, most notably Boston Dynamics.
Fans of 'Terminator' need not worry, however, as the reports claim that Google is working on robots to help with electronics assembly manufacturing and to also better compete in retailing (potentially drones), not looking to create AI. Google would create a robotics operating system, taking a head start in the industry.
Foxconn shares the same goals, and has long said it would like to replace a significant portion of its million workers with robots.