Samsung Expands Robotics Portfolio, Becomes Largest Stakeholder in Rainbow Robotics
Samsung Electronics Company has stated it will acquire a majority stake in the Korean-based robotics company Rainbow Robotics. This acquisition increased Samsung’s holding from 14.7% to 35%, making it the largest investor. The acquisition aligns with Samsung’s diversification into robotics, especially humanoid robots, as the company seeks to expand its areas of strength.
Samsung Electronics has announced its acquisition of a majority stake in Rainbow Robotics, a Korean robotics startup. This strategic move, which increases Samsung’s stake from 14.7% to 35%, positions the tech giant as the largest shareholder. The acquisition reflects Samsung’s growing focus on robotics as a key area for future growth, particularly in humanoid robots.
Strategic Investment in Robotics Innovation
Rainbow Robotics will become a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics. The cooperation is described as positively impacting the development of advanced robotics technologies.
Samsung first partnered with Rainbow Robotics in 2023 with an investment of KRW 86.8 billion. A call option was exercised further to place Rainbow Robotics under Samsung’s financial structure to increase the stake. Other start-ups include Rainbow Robotics, established by KAIST researchers, which attracted attention for creating “Hubo,” the first two-legged walking robot in Korea.
The collaboration will combine Samsung’s strength in artificial intelligence and software with Rainbow Robotics’ specialization in robotics. This partnership is to develop advanced humanoids and robotic solutions to meet future market needs.
Future Robotics Office to Spearhead Innovation
Samsung has also joined the formation of the Rainbow Robotics Synergy Council. This council will be responsible for developing robotic technologies, developing international business plans, and conducting market research to fortify its position in advanced robotics.
Following its expansion into robotics, Samsung has set up a Future Robotics Office that will report directly to the company’s CEO. This office will aim to create next-generation robotics, like humanoids, completely shifting paradigms in robotics. It will be headed by Dr. Jun-Ho Oh,` a KAIST honorary professor and a founding member of Rainbow Robotics. SAMSUNG Electronics’ robotics and industry-academia collaboration will benefit from his vast experience in the field.
The office is expected to source innovative technologies to make Samsung among the leading robotics technology companies worldwide.
Leveraging Global Reach and Expanding Automation
The collaboration also highlights the strategies for implementing Rainbow Robotics’ solutions, such as collaborative and autonomous mobile robots, for manufacturing and logistics automation. Robots with AI algorithms studying different environmental factors and general situations can considerably boost operations’ efficiency.
Based on Samsung’s current structure in the global sales market, Rainbow Robotics is anticipated to broaden its operations internationally. The friendly cooperation will help the companies to develop their potential and bring new benefits.
Recently, Samsung’s Vice Chairman, Han Jong-hee, highlighted robotics as one of the four key focuses during an event, highlighting its role in Samsung’s development.
