Samsung is likely about to join the ranks of Tesla and other robot-hungry companies by investing $181 million in Rainbow Robotics, increasing its stake from 14.7% to 35%, becoming the largest shareholder.
This acquisition, expected to be finalized by February 2025, integrates Rainbow Robotics as a subsidiary and continues to reinforce Samsung's commitment to advancing humanoid robotics.
Rainbow Robotics, founded by researchers from KAIST, has an eye for dual-arm mobile manipulators and autonomous robots for manufacturing and logistics, making it a strategic partner in Samsung's push into everything robotics. But what exactly does that mean? It may be EV cars.
While Samsung is not manufacturing cars, potential car production would be a strategic decision dependent on market conditions, leadership, and customer interest. The company's current automotive business is now known as Renault Korea Motors, which continues to produce vehicles in South Korea.
Samsung plans to establish a Future Robotics Office that will report directly to its CEO. This move aligns with Samsung's long-term focus on robotics, AI, 5G, and automotive electronics, sectors highlighted in 2022 as critical to its growth.
Overall, by combining Rainbow Robotics' years of experience with Samsung's resources, the company aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of humanoid robots amid increasing competition in the robotics industry. Rivals like Tesla, Microsoft, and Nvidia are ramping up efforts to develop advanced humanoid robots, with Tesla showcasing its Optimus robot and Nvidia preparing to release compact computing systems for robotics.
Samsung's robotics portfolio is already aggressive regarding consumer AI and automation, with four distinct product lines targeting home assistance and automation. The flagship Bespoke Jet Bot AI+ has already established a market presence with its AI-powered navigation and cleaning capabilities, while the newly unveiled Ballie - showcased at CES 2024 - marks Samsung's ambitious entry into mobile companion robots with its integrated projector and smart home control features.
These are complemented by two development-stage products: Bot Care, an AI-driven personal assistant focused on schedule management and behavioral recognition, and Bot Handy, which aims to tackle physical household tasks through advanced object manipulation.
Simply put, expect Samsung to be one of the leaders in the robotics sector for years to come.