Hyundai is acquiring Boston Dynamics, a pioneering robotics creator behind the notorious robotic canine ‘Spot’.
Spot went viral for being eerily close to being in a position to imitate the movements of a real dog. People had been quick to notice the similarities between Spot and the fictional unstoppable killer robots which appear in an episode of Charlie Brooker’s dystopian Tv show Black Mirror.
Black Mirror: Season 4, Metalhead https://t.co/nEcoBBo4iE
Boston Dynamics is well-known for Spot but is also behind a vary of pioneering robots. Atlas, for instance, is a humanoid robot that already has extra agility than many people:
Hyundai’s acquisition of Boston Dynamics shows the corporate sees the appreciable growth potential for robots in the years to come back and a rising need to diversify from its core automotive business.
Venkata Naveen, Senior Disruptive Tech Analyst at GlobalData, says:
“Hyundai’s transfer to acquire a major stake in Boston Dynamics polarises with many automakers competing to add their name to the me-too stack of autonomous carmakers by purchasing self-driving tech startups.
Furthermore, the strategic location of Boston Dynamics in Silicon Valley gives an advantage to Hyundai to collaborate with tech startups as well as pool the correct expertise.”
Hyundai is acquiring Boston Dynamics for round $880 million.
Euisun Chung, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, comments:
“We are delighted to have Boston Dynamics, a world chief in cell robots, join the Hyundai staff. This transaction will unite capabilities of Hyundai Motor Group. Boston Dynamics to spearhead innovation in future mobility.
The synergies created by our union provide exciting new pathways for our companies to realise our aim - offering free and secure motion and better plane of life experiences for humanity.
We will also contribute to society by enhancing its safety, security, and public well being amid world tendencies of an ageing society and digital transformation.”
Boston Dynamics was formerly owned by Google’s dad or mum company Alphabet before it was offered to SoftBank three years in the past in a deal valued at $1.1 billion. SoftBank will retain a one-fifth stake in Boston Dynamics after Hyundai’s acquisition.
Masayoshi Son, Chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group, mentioned: “Boston Dynamics is at the center of smart robotics. We're thrilled to companion with Hyundai, one of many world’s leading global mobility companies, to accelerate the company’s path to commercialisation. Boston Dynamics has a very brilliant future and we remain invested in the company’s success.”
SoftBank has been clear about $74,500 robotic canine not being exactly big sellers proper now. Nonetheless, the robotic canine is finding some unique use circumstances corresponding to serving to to create a 3D map of nuclear radiation distribution round Chernobyl.
Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, commented:
“Boston Dynamics’ industrial business has grown quickly as we’ve dropped at market the primary robotic that may automate repetitive and harmful duties in workplaces designed for human-stage mobility.
We and Hyundai share a view of the transformational power of mobility and look forward to working together to accelerate our plans to enable the world with cutting-edge automation, and to proceed to unravel the world’s hardest robotics challenges for our prospects.”
Playter just lately mentioned that he tasks 2023-24 will likely be when Boston Dynamics is “cash positive”.
By retaining a stake, it’s clear that SoftBank believes Hyundai has the potential to make a success of Boston Dynamics in the years to come back.
“Integrating Boston Dynamics’ robotic applied sciences with the automotive expertise can strengthen Hyundai’s position in good mobility, especially in areas comparable to robotaxis, private air automobiles, and final-mile mobility,” Naveen concludes.
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