Google’s master alphabet, through a secret research unit, will launch robotic software and an artificial intelligence project called Intrinsic.
The unit previously spawned businesses such as Waymo (autonomous cars) and Verily (health and biotechnology). These units are part of Google’s diverse business, which began in 2015 when they created Alphabet as a holding company.
Intrinsic software is designed to create industrial robots, which can create a variety of products. From solar panels to cars, and they have been developing this technology over the past five years.
“We are now ready to transform into an independent Alphabet company, abandon the prototype of the moon factory environment and expand our products and validate our technology,” said Wendy Tan White, CEO of Intrinsic.
In his official blog post, Tan said Intrinsic will create creative and economic potential in the field of industrial robots for more businesses and developers, through software that makes industrial robots easier to use, cheaper, and more flexible.
Google X, now called Moonshot Factory, is a research and development unit that serves as an incubator for unique projects, such as Waymo, Wing, Makani, Loon, and more. Its function is to expand these units so that later they can be ‘released’ as distinct entities.
Google’s ambitions in the field of robotics itself have long existed. In 2013, Google bought six robotics companies in six months. Includes Schaft, Bot & Dolly, and Boston Dynamics.
The result of the acquisition was ‘Replicant’ led by Andy Rubin (the maker of Android, has now resigned from Google). However, to date there has been no Replicant continuity, and acquired units are sold (like Boston Dynamics) but some are turned off (like Schaft).
One of the reasons is that robots are difficult to build and less profitable. But it may also be because Rubin has left Google since 2014 after being accused of sexual harassment
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