
Samsung Electronics has solidified its ambitions in robotics by becoming the largest shareholder of Rainbow Robotics, a South Korean robotics company. This $181 billion investment is set to accelerate Samsung’s efforts in developing intelligent humanoid robots and strengthening its position in the global robotics industry.
Key Points:
- Samsung increased its stake in Rainbow Robotics from 14.7% to 35% for $181 billion.
- The move integrates Rainbow Robotics as a Samsung subsidiary, with a deal completion expected in February 2025.
- Samsung has established a Future Robotics Office to drive humanoid and advanced robotics development.
Why it matters: Samsung’s latest move underscores a strategic shift towards robotics as a growth engine, complementing its efforts in AI, 5G, and automotive electronics. The acquisition positions Samsung as a key player in a market where competitors like Tesla and NVIDIA are also advancing humanoid robot initiatives.
The Details: Rainbow Robotics has 86 employees, and was founded in 2011 by KAIST researchers. The company specializes in collaborative robots, dual-arm mobile manipulators, and autonomous mobile robots used in manufacturing and logistics. Samsung’s acquisition will allow Rainbow Robotics to scale globally using Samsung’s expansive sales infrastructure.
Dr. Jun-ho Oh, a founding member of Rainbow Robotics and a renowned robotics expert, will lead Samsung’s newly established Future Robotics Office. Reporting directly to Samsung’s CEO, this office aims to spearhead advancements in humanoid robotics and related technologies. Dr. Oh’s appointment highlights Samsung’s commitment to combining academic expertise with industrial ambitions.
The partnership promises a fusion of Samsung’s AI and software capabilities with Rainbow Robotics’ hardware innovations. A synergy council will also be formed to assess market needs and co-develop core strategies for the robotics business. Additionally, AI algorithms will enable robots to learn from environmental data, enhancing their functionality in real-world applications.
The Bigger Picture: Samsung joins a growing list of tech giants investing heavily in humanoid robotics. Tesla’s Optimus project, NVIDIA’s Jetson Thor initiative, and Microsoft’s collaboration with OpenAI are indicative of a broader industry push.