TECHNOLOGY: Google Buying “Big Dog” Robot-Maker

Another Google Aquisition

If you still needed an indication that robotics in all its shapes is the wave of the future, here it is: Google has acquired robot-maker Boston Dynamics.

The New York Times has confirmed that the California Internet giant has acquired the Waltham, Massachusetts-based robotics engineering firm for an unspecified amount.

Big Dog
(Photo courtesy Boston Dynamics)

Boston Dynamics has developed for the Defense Department a number of robots with the uncanny ability to walk and run like humans or animals including the cool or creepy – depending on your point of view – “Big Dog,” a prototype for a robotic pack mule that can carry up to 340 pounds – even up and down steep hills and icy, snowy trails.

The idea is take some of the equipment-carrying burden off footsoldiers in the field. Between body armor, electronic gizmos, batteries, weapons and ammo, some soldiers are carrying more than 100 pounds of stuff.

You can see a video of the Big Dog and othjer Boston Dynamics ‘bots in action (along with an annoying music track) by clicking here. Or you can just view them individually on the Times website.

Google has been on a bit of a robotics technology-buying spree lately. Boston Dynamics is the eighth such company Google has acquired.