Google robotics helping Foxconn improve factory automation: Report

Google has reportedly been working with Foxconn, the world's biggest electronics manufacturer, to help it "speed up robot deployment" in its manufacturing.

The Wall Street Journal quotes sources close to the matter, who say the manufacturing firm, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, has been working closely with Andy Rubin, who oversaw the development of Android, in the robotics field. Rubin is currently head of Google's new robotics division.

The sources reveal that Terry Gou, Foxconn's chairman, recently met with Rubin in Taipei and discussed about robotic technologies. It has been further added that Gou seemed to take much interest in the ideas stated by Rubin.

Rubin is reported to have asked Foxconn to help integrate a new company that Google is acquiring, using Foxconn's expertise in mechanical engineering.

The US firm's robotics efforts are initially said to be focused on manufacturing processes like electronics assembly, which to date is mostly done by humans. Another avenue for exploration is competing with companies like Amazon on the retail front. Amazon recently said that it has been working on developing drones which can deliver the goods to consumer's house within half hour of the order made.

Foxconn has been also aiming to boost its manufacturing process and automate it, helping it boost its sales per employee, which are reportedly amongst the lowest for a contract manufacturer. This would help it diversify its revenue stream, and focusing on manufacturing capital-intensive products like automobile and medical equipment.

According to an analyst quoted by WSJ, the partnership between Google and Foxconn makes sense as Foxconn, largest manufacturer for electronics devices, can help Google in its new robotics technology. "Using robots to replace human workers would be the next big thing in the technology industry. Not just Google, other major technology companies such as Microsoft and Amazon also have been developing robotics technology to capture the future growth opportunities," says Wanli Wang, an analyst at CIMB Securities.

Foxconn has been also said to be seeking locations for research and technology investment in US. The firm has previously also said that it might invest $40 million in manufacturing and research facilities in Pennsylvania