Google Buys DeepMind an AI Firm

Google is moving to further boost its robot army with the acquisition of artificial intelligence firm DeepMind.

As reported by re/code, the search giant shelled out $400 million for DeepMind.

A Google spokesman confirmed the purchase, but had no other details to share. DeepMind did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The company's website is rather sparse, but it describes itself as a "cutting edge artificial intelligence company" with commercial applications in simulations, e-commerce, and games.

"We combine the best techniques from machine learning and systems neuroscience to build powerful general-purpose learning algorithms," according to DeepMind.

The London-based company was founded by Demis Hassabis, Shane Legg, and Mustafa Suleyman, and has backing from "iconic technology entrepreneurs and investors." According to re/code, that includes Skype and Kazaa developer Jaan Tallinn.

The DeepMind acquisition comes about 1.5 months after Google bought robot makers Boston Dynamics. The company produces the impressive (and terrifying) animal-like robots known as BigDog, Cheetah, WildCat, and Atlas.

That came shortly after it was revealed that former Android chief Andy Rubin is now heading up Google's robotics efforts. "The future is looking awesome!" Rubin tweeted after the Boston Dynamics purchase.

Boston Dynamics isn't the only robotics firm in Google's portfolio; check out more in the slideshow above.