Former Android chief Andy Rubin leaving Google

SAN FRANCISCO — Andy Rubin, the Google executive who used to lead its Android mobile business, is leaving the company.

Rubin was heading up Google's robotics efforts.

James Kuffner, a Google research scientist who is in the robotics group, will replace Rubin.

Rubin stepped down from leading Android in 2013 eight years after Google bought Android. Rubin helped build it into the most popular mobile operating system.

Rubin is starting an incubator, according to the Wall Street Journal which broke the news.

"I want to wish Andy all the best with what's next," Google CEO Larry Page said in a statement. "With Android he created something truly remarkable—with a billion plus happy users. Thank you."