Google getting more roboticists with Nest acquisition

Is Google getting a robot company? Or just another source of roboticists with the Nest acquisition that was announced today? Alongside Google’s recent acquisition of eight robotics companies, there has been a slow and steady flow of robotics talent into the Silicon Valley based behemoth. The small sampling of roboticists I’ve spoken to who are employed at Google have shed little light on future plans, but it seems that with so many roboticists, spread out across so many different areas, that a unified robot research park is the least likely outcome. Perhaps Google is collecting libraries and IP instead, in the same way that Wolfram is talking about owning the database of the internet of things.

Google is to buy Nest Labs, Inc. for $3.2 billion in cash. Nest launched in 2011 with a smart thermostat and has recently launched a smoke alarm. Both products are doing very well in sales. Nest will continue to operate under the leadership of Tony Fadell and maintain a distinct brand identity but as a part of the Google stable. For more information from Nest as to the transition.

Larry Page, CEO of Google, said: “Nest’s founders, Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers, have built a tremendous team that we are excited to welcome into the Google family. They’re already delivering amazing products you can buy right now–thermostats that save energy and smoke/CO alarms that can help keep your family safe. We are excited to bring great experiences to more homes in more countries and fulfill their dreams!”

Tony Fadell, CEO of Nest, said: “We’re thrilled to join Google. With their support, Nest will be even better placed to build simple, thoughtful devices that make life easier at home, and that have a positive impact on the world.”

Colin Angle, CEO of iRobot, described Google’s recent acquisitions as a logistics play around self driving vehicles and that when Google solved the first mile/last mile problem, iRobot was planning on meeting them at the house door.

There are plenty more robotics companies left for Google to acquire, but if I were looking it would be interesting to consider Unbounded and Otherlab.

* Extra information was added to this story by the author on 1/14/14

Andra Keay is the Managing Director of Silicon Valley Robotics, founder of Women in Robotics and is a mentor, investor and advisor to startups, accelerators and think tanks, with a strong interest in commercializing socially positive robotics and AI.

Andra Keay is the Managing Director of Silicon Valley Robotics, founder of Women in Robotics and is a mentor, investor and advisor to startups, accelerators and think tanks, with a strong interest in commercializing socially positive robotics and AI.