With a new feather in its cap, Samsung becomes Rainbow Robotics’ largest shareholder and launches a new entity to drive AI-powered humanoid robot innovation.
Samsung Electronics has become the largest shareholder of South Korea’s Rainbow Robotics, according to a regulatory filing made on Tuesday. The tech giant, which had previously invested in the robotics firm, acquired a 267 billion won ($181 million) stake in the company. With this acquisition, Rainbow Robotics will now be a subsidiary of Samsung.
Furthermore, Samsung is also setting up a Future Robotics Office that will report directly to the CEO, the company confirmed separately. Oh Jun-ho, a founding member of Rainbow Robotics, will serve as an advisor and head of this office.
Samsung’s initial investment in Rainbow Robotics occurred in January 2023, when it bought a 10.2% stake for 59 billion won ($40 million). It later raised its stake to 14.99% in March 2023, signing a call option contract to acquire shares from Rainbow’s largest shareholder if they were sold.
Founded in 2011 as part of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Rainbow Robotics has developed advanced technologies such as the Hubo humanoid robot. The company also works with Hyundai Rotem on other robotic projects, including quadruped robots and autonomous mobile systems.
Oh Jun-ho and related entities had been the company’s largest shareholders prior to this change. The move strengthens Samsung’s position in the growing robotics sector as it continues expanding its footprint in advanced technologies.
Samsung aims to leverage its AI and software capabilities alongside Rainbow Robotics’ expertise to accelerate the development of intelligent humanoid robots. The collaboration will also help Samsung enhance its manufacturing and logistics operations using Rainbow’s robots.
Samsung’s Vice Chairman Han Jong-hee has been instrumental in driving this initiative, establishing a dedicated robotics business team in 2022. Competitor Hyundai Motor Group is also expanding in the robotics sector with its acquisition of Boston Dynamics and a partnership with Toyota to develop humanoid robots.
