Andy Rubin, a co-founder of Android and long time employee of Google, is leaving the company. In Android circles Rubin is best known for his time leading the Android division at Google after his company was acquired in 2005, only to move after many years to head up robotics efforts at the company instead. Sundar Pichai has led Google's Android efforts since Rubin made the move in 2013.
Since moving to lead the robotics "moonshot" at Google Rubin oversaw the acquisition of multiple robotics companies, including Boston Dynamics, to strengthen its efforts in the field.
Rubin is leaving Google to start his own company focused on technology hardware (and you can bet robots are somehow involved), though Google is still staying committed to robotics after he leaves. James Kuffner, who works in Google's robotics group, will take over Rubin's position at the top.
CEO of Google Larry Page voiced his thanks to Rubin for his time at the company, saying: "I want to wish Andy all the best with what's next. With Android he created something truly remarkable — with a billion plus happy users. Thank you."
Source: WSJ
