Samsung Electronics has announced a strategic move to establish itself as a leader in the development of advanced robotics by increasing its stake in Rainbow Robotics to 35%, becoming the largest shareholder in the company. This step marks a significant milestone in Samsung’s commitment to the development of humanoid robots and advanced automation.
From Investment to Subsidiary
In 2023, Samsung acquired a 14.7% stake in Rainbow Robotics through an investment of KRW 86.8 billion. Now, the company will exercise a purchase option to increase its ownership to 35%, integrating Rainbow Robotics as a subsidiary in its consolidated financial statements. This acquisition strengthens the alliance between the two companies, merging Samsung’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology and software with Rainbow Robotics’ expertise in robotics.
Founded in 2011 by researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Rainbow Robotics is known for developing “Hubo,” Korea’s first bipedal robot. The collaboration between the two firms aims to accelerate the development of advanced and intelligent humanoids.
Synergies and Global Expansion
Samsung and Rainbow Robotics will form a synergy council to lead the global market for advanced robots. This council will design key business strategies, identify market demand, and promote the development of cutting-edge robotic technologies.
Additionally, Samsung plans to use collaborative robots, dual-arm mobile manipulators, and autonomous mobile robots from Rainbow Robotics to automate processes in manufacturing and logistics. Leveraging AI algorithms, these robots will be able to analyze situational data and environmental variables, significantly enhancing their work capabilities.
With the support of Samsung’s global sales infrastructure, Rainbow Robotics is poised to expand into international markets and compete in the growing sector of advanced robotics.
Creation of the Future Robotics Office
Samsung has established a new Future Robotics Office that will report directly to the CEO. This team’s objective will be to develop future robots, including humanoid robots, ensuring Samsung’s competitiveness in emerging technologies and transforming robotics into a key growth driver.
Dr. Jun-Ho Oh, a founding member of Rainbow Robotics and an honorary professor at KAIST, will serve as an advisor to Samsung and lead the Future Robotics Office following his retirement from Rainbow Robotics. With his extensive experience in industry-academia collaboration, Dr. Oh will contribute to the development of Samsung’s robotics initiatives, guiding the technology and business strategy.
A Step Towards the Future of Robotics
The acquisition and collaboration with Rainbow Robotics highlight Samsung’s commitment to leading the development of advanced robotic technologies. With a focus on artificial intelligence, automation, and the design of humanoid robots, Samsung is positioning itself to transform robotics into a central element of its global growth strategy, moving toward a more automated and intelligent future.