Samsung has announced plans to significantly increase its investment in Rainbow Robotics, a company renowned for its expertise in collaborative and humanoid robots based in Korea. As reported by Neowin, Samsung’s ownership in Rainbow Robotics has risen from 14.7% in 2023 to 35% in 2024, effectively designating the company as a subsidiary in Samsung Electronics’ financial reports. This strategic move aims to position Samsung as the largest shareholder, thereby facilitating the accelerated development of advanced robotic technologies, particularly humanoid robots.
Beyond robots designed for manufacturing, Samsung also aims for a broader global reach by incorporating Rainbow Robotics’ innovations into its operations worldwide. The company plans to implement various types of robots, including collaborative robots, two-handed mobile robots, and autonomous mobile robots from Rainbow Robotics, to enhance production and logistics automation. These advanced robots are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that enable them to learn and adapt by analyzing situational data and environmental changes. Additionally, Rainbow Robotics is poised to leverage Samsung’s extensive global sales infrastructure to penetrate international markets.
This investment marks a pivotal moment in Samsung’s robotics strategy. The company is not alone in its pursuit; competitors in the field, such as Figure—a humanoid robot startup—have attracted $500 million in funding from major players like Microsoft and OpenAI, indicating a rising interest in humanoid robotics. Furthermore, Elon Musk has stated that Tesla’s humanoid robot could elevate the company’s market value significantly.
In conjunction with its increased investment in Rainbow Robotics, Samsung has also established a Future Robotics Office, which operates under the direct oversight of the CEO. This office is charged with advancing the development of innovative robotic solutions, particularly humanoid robots, and is led by Dr. Jun-Ho Oh, a co-founder of Rainbow Robotics. This initiative reflects Samsung’s strategic response to intensifying competition within the robotics sector.
