The South Korean electronics maker established a dedicated robotics unit that is being led by a former Hyundai executive, as the company seeks to expand AI-based robots through global R&D centres and investments.
Samsung Electronics established a dedicated robotics division to bolster efforts to commercialise robot technology and expand into the growing sector. Samsung’s Robotics eXperience (RX) division, which reports directly to the company’s CEO, will manage robot-based technological advancements, business activities and research and development in domestic and international markets, according to a Reuters report citing people familiar with the matter.
Lee Dongkun, former executive vice president of Hyundai Motor Group, who served as robotics director for Hyundai that also includes ties to Boston Dynamics, will lead Samsung’s Robotics Strategy Team within the new division. Samsung is setting up robot research and development centres in the US, China and Japan to leverage expertise in each region and expedite technological development.
The tech giant believes robots, powered by progress in physical AI, are gaining marketability. This is Samsung’s second major announcement of moves into robotics.
At an earnings call in January, Samsung said it planned to provide substantive progress on its humanoid robotics business in 2024. In April it announced plans to be open to investments and mergers, with companies helping speed up robot innovation and collaborate to develop capabilities.
Initially, Samsung plans to bring humanoid robots into manufacturing facilities for increased user productivity before expanding their service to homes and retail stores. It is also seeking robotics as a long-term growth driver following artificial intelligence.
