Google Expands Into Drones, Buying Titan Aerospace
MOUNTAIN VIEW (CBS SF) -- Google has purchased New Mexico-based Titan Aerospace, a manufacture of high-altitude solar-powered drones, adding to its arsenal of machines, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The potential applications are broad for the 164-foot wide lightweight aircraft covered in solar cells, which Titan calls "atmospheric satellites" based on their ability to remain aloft for months.
The WSJ reports that they'll be used to support Google Maps, Google Earth, and other aerial imaging platforms.
In December, Google expanded in another robotics area, buying Boston Dynamics, which makes robots inspired by animals.
The NASDAQ-traded stock (GOOG) was up about 0.7 percent during the day.
