Race heats up as Google swoops on drone maker
TECHNOLOGY giant Google has snapped up Titan Aerospace, a start-up that develops drones, for an undisclosed sum.
The purchase, announced by Google yesterday, is the latest in a series of high-profile acquisitions of drone makers. Facebook bought UK-based Ascenta for $20m last month, while Amazon is already testing drones to be used for deliveries.
Titan is developing two drones that could help Google provide internet access in places which are not currently online. The technology could also aid Google with its mapping software.
The company, which is based in New Mexico, employs 20 people and will continue to be run by chief executive Vern Raburn who previously headed up Symantec.
In a statement, a Google spokesperson said: “It’s still early days, but atmospheric satellites could help bring internet access to millions of people, and help solve other problems, including disaster relief and environmental damage like deforestation.”