Samsung Electronics has expanded its foothold in robotics, acquiring a 35% stake in South Korea-based robotics maker Rainbow Robotics for KRW 267 billion (approximately $181 billion), making it the company’s largest shareholder. This investment is a significant step in Robotics Innovation for Samsung.
The electronics giant initially acquired a 14.7% stake in Rainbow Robotics in 2023 for KRW 86.8 billion. With this latest investment, Samsung aims to strengthen its robotics division and accelerate the development of humanoid robots. This move underscores their commitment to Robotics Innovation. The acquisition will make Rainbow Robotics a subsidiary of Samsung, with the deal expected to be finalized by February 2025.
To spearhead its robotics ambitions, Samsung announced plans to establish a Future Robotics Office that will report directly to its CEO. This move also positions Rainbow Robotics for global expansion by leveraging Samsung’s extensive market reach, further emphasizing their Robotics Innovation strategy.
Founded in 2011 by researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), Rainbow Robotics specializes in advanced robotics solutions, including dual-arm mobile manipulators and autonomous robots for manufacturing and logistics applications. The company, which employs 86 people, has gained recognition for its cutting-edge developments in robotics technology, contributing significantly to Robotics Innovation.
Dr. Jun-ho Oh, one of Rainbow’s founding members and a prominent figure in robotics, will remain with the company as an advisor. Dr. Oh, who was the largest shareholder before the acquisition, will lead Samsung’s Future Robotics Office, ensuring continuity and innovation within the new structure.
Samsung’s move reflects its commitment to robotics as a strategic growth area, aligning with its 2022 announcement that robotics, AI, 5G, and automotive electronics would be central to its future initiatives.
Tesla’s Optimus robot, Microsoft’s collaboration with OpenAI, and Nvidia’s upcoming Jetson Thor compact computers for humanoid robots underscore the competitive landscape in this field.
