Prime Highlights
- Samsung created a robotics division reporting directly to its chief executive to accelerate robotics development and commercialisation.
- The company plans research hubs in the United States, China and Japan to strengthen global robotics capabilities.
Key Facts
- Samsung Electronics is a South Korean technology company with businesses spanning consumer electronics, semiconductors and digital technologies.
- Executive Vice President Lee Dongkun, formerly of Hyundai Motor Group, will lead Samsung’s Robotics Strategy Team.
Background
Samsung Electronics has announced the creation of a new robotics division that will report directly to the company’s chief executive as it steps up efforts to develop and commercialise robotics technologies. The South Korean technology company said the move is part of its strategy to make robotics one of its future growth businesses.
Samsung’s long-term robotics strategy will be spearheaded by the new RX, or Robotics eXperience, division, which will also supervise core technology development and assist with business execution. The company said the division will also expand robotics research capabilities in South Korea and overseas.
Samsung has appointed Executive Vice President Lee Dongkun to lead the Robotics Strategy Team. He previously worked at Hyundai Motor Group, where he led robotics strategy, including work related to Boston Dynamics.
To strengthen its global position, Samsung plans to establish robotics research hubs in the United States, China and Japan. The company said these centres will help it work with local technology ecosystems and research talent in key robotics markets.
The announcement builds on Samsung’s broader investment in robotics. Earlier this year, the company said it aimed to deliver visible progress in its humanoid robotics business. It also stated that it would consider investments and acquisitions to speed up technology development and commercialisation.
Samsung said advances in technologies such as physical artificial intelligence are making robotics more practical for commercial use. The company plans to develop humanoid robots that can improve productivity and user experience. It expects to first deploy these robots in manufacturing facilities before expanding their use to homes and retail environments.