Titan Aerospace sells again — this time to Google

Early in March of this year TechCrunch reported that Facebook was in talks to acquire Titan Aerospace, a UAV start-up that makes solar-powered aerial robots that can fly for up to five years without needing to land. Forbes said that the sale price was likely to be $60 million.

Later in March, Facebook announced that they instead acquired Ascenta, a small UK UAV start-up with great talent. Nothing was said about Titan.

Just a few days ago Google announced that they had acquired Titan Aerospace for an unspecified amount but for the same purpose that Facebook had given as reason for their acquisition: to operate as a high-altitude communications relay and surveillance system. Google said Titan could bring Internet access to millions and help solve problems like deforestation.

The NY Times speculates that the purchase price for Titan was around $75 million.

Titan’s website has now changed to Google Aerospace with nothing but a landing page.

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.