Samsung Electronics has established a Robotics eXperience (RX) Business Promotion Office, which will be led by CEO TM Roh. This new division aims to consolidate the company's existing robotic research and development initiatives.
Lee Dong-geon, who previously directed robot strategies at Boston Dynamics during his tenure at Hyundai, will head the Robotics Strategy Team. The RX division will be headquartered at Samsung’s Seoul R&D Campus in Umyeon-dong, with additional research hubs planned for the US, China, and Japan.
Initially, Samsung intends to focus on industrial robots, utilizing advanced robotics for automation within its manufacturing facilities as a testing ground before extending these robots to other manufacturers. If all goes according to plan, all of Samsung's manufacturing facilities are expected to transition into “AI autonomous factories” by 2030.
Samsung is also exploring the development of humanoid robots. Kim Eui-gyeom, a professor from Ajou University specializing in robotic hands and manipulation, has joined the RX team. The company previously operated a Robotic Hand Lab, which has reportedly developed a sophisticated, yet undisclosed, robotic hand technology.
Furthermore, Samsung is committed to investing in robotics startups and is looking to enhance its position through mergers and acquisitions. This initiative is already in progress, as evidenced by Samsung becoming the largest shareholder in Rainbow Robotics in 2024, a company known for producing robots including the robotic dog featured in the video above.
Competition in the robotics field is fierce. Tesla's Optimus robot has gained attention, particularly after the company's focus shifted from the Model S and X. Recently, LG announced its own Robotics Business Center, while an Honor robot successfully completed a half marathon, and Unitree has developed humanoid robots with one specifically designed for phone drop tests. Additionally, Hisense revealed a humanoid robot named Harley in January.
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