Amazon Acquires 42-Inch Fauna Humanoid Robot Startup; Ex-Google Executive to Lead BBC
Amazon acquired Fauna Robotics, adding its 42-inch Sprout humanoid and roughly 50 employees to Amazon’s Personal Robotics Group. Ex-Google executive Matt Brittin secured board approval to become BBC director-general as the broadcaster weighs a mixed funding model and faces a $10 billion Trump lawsuit.
1. Amazon Acquires Fauna Robotics
Amazon closed last week's purchase of New York-based Fauna Robotics, adding a team of roughly 50 employees and its 42-inch tall Sprout humanoid robot that can walk, grip items and interact with people. Fauna will join Amazon's Personal Robotics Group, with plans to continue external deployments while integrating Amazon's robotics expertise for potential consumer offerings.
2. Ex-Googler Matt Brittin Named BBC Director-General
Veteran Google executive Matt Brittin secured board approval to become the next BBC director-general as the broadcaster considers a mixed funding model and faces a $10 billion defamation lawsuit. Brittin's background in overseeing Google's EMEA ad operations and digital strategy may drive the BBC's shift toward commercial revenue and digital platforms.