Samsung Electronics Expands Robot Division; Humanoid Robots May Debut in Second Half

Hankyoreh reports on Samsung Electronics' strategic push into the burgeoning field of robotics, a move that underscores South Korea's ambition to remain at the forefront of technological innovation. The company's Device Experience (DX) division is actively recruiting personnel for its 'Future Robot Promotion Group,' established late last year to spearhead robot development.

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Samsung Electronics is expanding its robotics division, with plans to introduce humanoid robots as early as the second half of this year.

The intensified focus on robotics, particularly humanoid robots, is a direct response to the escalating competition from US tech giants like Meta, NVIDIA, and Amazon-backed Figure AI. These companies are pouring resources into developing advanced AI for robots capable of understanding and adapting to complex environments. Samsung's initiative to potentially unveil its own humanoid robot by the latter half of this year signifies its commitment to competing in this high-stakes arena.

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The company aims to develop robots for manufacturing, home, and retail sectors, leveraging expertise from its DX division.

Samsung's strategy, as outlined during its first-quarter earnings call, involves initially developing robots for manufacturing environments before expanding into home and retail applications. This phased approach aims to build a strong technological foundation and gradually broaden the scope of its robotic solutions. The company's Chief Financial Officer, Park Soon-cheol, emphasized the goal of driving manufacturing productivity and innovating life experiences through humanoid robot development.

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This move comes as major US tech companies are also investing heavily in humanoid robot development, signaling a growing global race in AI-powered robotics.

Globally, the humanoid robot market is projected for significant growth, with Goldman Sachs estimating it to reach $38 billion by 2035 and Morgan Stanley forecasting a staggering $5 trillion by 2050. For South Korea, a nation heavily reliant on technological exports and innovation, Samsung's advancements in robotics are not just corporate milestones but also crucial indicators of the country's future economic competitiveness on the global stage. Hankyoreh will continue to track these developments, highlighting their significance for both the industry and the broader economy.

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The Future Robot Promotion Group is an organization established at the end of 2024, in charge of overall robot development.