Foxconn, better known to those in the US as Apple’s key supplier, has many clients around the world but most would likely be surprised to learn the company has quietly been working with another industry giant since last year according to people familiar with the matter as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Specifically, former Android chief Andy Rubin has been working with the Taiwanese contract manufacturer to carry out Google’s vision for robotics in manufacturing.
Foxconn has long been associated as the partner for Apple, assembling the majority of the U.S. company’s iPhones and iPads. But few people know the Taiwanese contract manufacturer, also known as Hon Hai Precision industry, has been quietly working with Google. People familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal that Foxconn has been working with former Android executive Andy Rubin since last year to carry out the U.S. company’s vision for robotics. To speed up robot deployment at its own factories, Foxconn Chairman Terry Gou met with Rubin in Taipei recently and they discussed new robotic technologies, they said. At the meeting, Gou expressed excitement over new automation technologies demonstrated by Rubin, they said. Rubin also asked Gou to help integrate a technology company that Google is acquiring as Foxconn’s strength lies in mechanical engineering.
