Source: The Verge
Summary
Intrinsic, a robotics company that spun out of Alphabet’s X research division in 2018, is being absorbed back into Google. The move comes as Intrinsic’s work on industrial robotics and machine learning aligns with Google’s own efforts in the field. According to a Google spokesperson, the integration will help accelerate the development of Intrinsic’s technology. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Intrinsic’s team will join Google’s Robotics division.
Our Reading
The announcement sounds ambitious.
Intrinsic is returning to the Google fold after a five-year stint as an independent Alphabet company. The company’s work on industrial robotics and machine learning will be folded into Google’s own Robotics division. This move is likely to “accelerate” development, because that’s what always happens when a smaller company gets absorbed by a larger one. Intrinsic’s team will join Google’s Robotics division, because who needs independence when you can have a bigger logo on your paycheck? This is what “innovation” looks like when it’s just a reorg.
Author: Evan Null
