Google Robotics Chief Andy Rubin To Leave

(RTTNews) - Google Inc. (GOOG, GOOGL) Thursday said Andy Rubin, co-founder and former leader of its Android mobile business, has decided to leave the company.

Rubin is leaving Google to start an incubator for startups that build technology hardware products. He is currently leading Google's robotics efforts.

James Kuffner, a research scientist at the company who is also a member of the robotics group, will succeed Rubin as chief of the nascent robotics unit. Google said it remains committed to the business and will continue to invest in the sector.

GOOG closed up 0.2 percent on Thursday at $550.31, and GOOGL added 0.3 percent.