Samsung Electronics creates robotics division; ex-Hyundai executive to head strategy
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Samsung also said it plans to establish robotics research hubs in the US, China, and Japan.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Samsung Electronics has created a new robotics division called RX to focus on long-term strategy, technology development, and business growth in robotics.
- Lee Dong-kun, former Hyundai robotics strategy lead, will head Samsung's Robotics Strategy Team to drive this initiative.
- Samsung plans research hubs in the US, China and Japan, and aims for tangible humanoid robot results by 2026, targeting manufacturing, home, and retail use.
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SEOUL – Samsung Electronics said on July 21 that it will set up a robotics division reporting directly to the chief executive to accelerate its development and commercialisation, establishing the field as a major growth engine.
The South Korean conglomerate said the RX or “Robotics eXperience” division will oversee its mid- to long-term robotics strategy, core technology development and business execution, while expanding research capabilities at home and overseas.
Executive vice-president Lee Dong-kun will head the Robotics Strategy Team, Samsung said in a statement.
Lee previously led robotics strategy at Hyundai Motor Group, including the direction of Boston Dynamics.
Samsung also said it plans to establish robotics research hubs in the US, China and Japan, where robotics technology is advancing rapidly, to strengthen competitiveness by leveraging local ecosystems and expertise.
The development builds on a broader robotics push. During its January earnings conference call, Samsung said it aimed to achieve “tangible” results in its humanoid robotics business in 2026.
In April, Samsung said it would consider investment and acquisitions where necessary to accelerate development and commercialisation in robotics, while partnering local companies for technology development.
Samsung also said advances such as physical artificial intelligence were making robotics businesses increasingly viable.
It said it planned to develop humanoid robots to improve both productivity and user experience, initially for deployment at manufacturing sites before expanding to the home and retail sectors.
REUTERS
