Google Robotics Snags Tesla Engineer

Months after losing a top executive to Apple, Tesla has reportedly said goodbye to another leading engineer.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Robert Rose left Tesla following the October release of Autopilot, and joined Google Robotics a month later.

The reason for his departure is unknown; 9to5Google suggests Rose was let go, but also says the exec is close to Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk.

With experience at Tesla and its Autopilot division, it would make sense that Rose might end up in Google's self-driving car department. But a source close to the company tells 9to5Google that Rose is not working on Google's self-driving car efforts. Instead, he's likely working in Google's robotics division; Google acquired Boston Dynamics in 2013.

Google did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.

Recently, when we've heard about movement within Tesla's ranks, it has been in regard to Apple. Musk made headlines recently when he said Apple is a "Tesla graveyard" full of "people we've fired."

Google, meanwhile, is moving full-steam ahead on its self-driving car efforts. The company last week was awarded two patents that detail interior features of the car.

Images attached to the first document highlight a heads-up display in place of the steering wheel, cup holders, and a control panel. Passengers can press the "GO" toggle to get started, then control the door locks, stereo volume, internal lights, windows, and seats with the push of a button. There's also a large "STOP NOW" emergency kill switch.

A second patent grants Google a system of exterior signage to communicate with pedestrians. Not unlike Nissan's IDS Concept car, with lighting and displays that let folks know when it's okay to cross the street, Google's future model may include "safe to cross," "stop," and "do not cross" symbols.

The company recently taught its self-driving cars to better recognize children—whether they're simply crossing the street, or darting into the road to retrieve a stray ball.

Google a year ago unveiled the first complete build of its autonomous vehicle, with working headlights and a slick, shiny body that looks like a tiny Volkswagen Bug. Testing began in June, when the prototype hit California roads, speeding (or not) along at a neighborhood-friendly 25 mph. Google in September, however, said it "does not intend to become a car manufacturer."