Facebook plans to offer Internet service using aerial robots

In a story on TechCrunch, it was revealed that Facebook is in talks to acquire or partner with Titan Aerospace. Titan makes solar-powered aerial robots that can fly for up to five years without needing to land.

$60 million is the amount being discussed as the acquition price.

Facebook has repeatedly stated that they want to bring affordable Internet access to those portions of the world that still lack connectivity.

Titan Aerospace calls their aerial robots High Altitude Long Endurance Solar Atmospheric Satellites. At present they have flown demonstrations to prove their technology and plan to begin commercial operations in 2015 – or perhaps sooner if the deal with Facebook happens.

The article suggests that if the acquisition goes through, all of Titan’s production would be for the nonprofit Internet.org project. Internet.org is a global partnership between technology leaders, local communities and experts working together to bring the internet to the two-thirds of the world’s population that doesn’t have it.

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Frank Tobe is the owner and publisher of The Robot Report, and is also a panel member for Robohub's Robotics by Invitation series.

Frank Tobe is the owner and publisher of The Robot Report, and is also a panel member for Robohub's Robotics by Invitation series.