Andy Rubin, co-founder of Android, who guided Google's entrance into mobile phones and tablets has left the company. Rubin lead the Android division at Google after his company was acquired in 2005 and in 2013 transitioned into heading the company's robotics division.
According to reports, Andy Rubin has left Google to start a tech incubator focused on start-ups interested in building hardware. During his time in Google's robotics department, Rubin oversaw the acquisition of eight robotics companies, including Boston Dynamics and AI start-up Deep mind. The division is focused on a diverse set of areas surrounding manufacturing and logistics. For e.g., Andy Rubin had revealed that he intended to embark on a 10-year project that would automate processes involved in the company’s same-day delivery service 'Google Express'.
A Google spokesperson stated that Google will continue to make efforts in the robotics field. James Kuffner, who works in Google's robotics group, will take over Rubin's position now.
Google's CEO Larry Page thanked Rubin for his work in a statement. "I want to wish Andy all the best with what's next," Page said. "With Android he created something truly remarkable-with a billion plus happy users. Thank you."'
According to reports Google may be planning to merge Android and Chrome OS. The company recently moved its President of Engineering for Android mobile-operating system as the head of Chrome operating system. The Internet giant has been hinting at a merger between the two OS-es since it appointed Sundar Pichai in charge of both teams following Andy Rubin's departure in 2013.
Source: WSJ