| Samsung Electronics office in southern Seoul (Newsis) |
Samsung Electronics said Tuesday it will become the largest shareholder in Rainbow Robotics, a Korean robotics startup, as part of its push for advancing robotics technologies, including humanoid robots.
The tech giant exercised its call option on Rainbow Robotics, increasing its stake from 14.7 percent to 35 percent. As a result, the startup will be integrated into Samsung’s consolidated financial statements as a subsidiary.
Rainbow Robotics, founded in 2011 by researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, specializes in humanoid robotics technologies. The founders had developed Hubo, Korea's first two-legged walking robot, in 2005.
The strategic move underscores Samsung’s ambition to position robotics as a key growth driver. Alongside this acquisition, Samsung has established a Future Robotics Office reporting directly to the CEO. This new division will focus on advancing humanoid and other next-generation robotic technologies.
Samsung will also form a synergy council with Rainbow Robotics to strengthen leadership in the global advanced robotics business, with the council expected to serve as a bridge to foster the growth of both companies by developing future robot technologies and core business strategies and by identifying and assessing market demand.
Samsung initially invested 86.8 billion won ($59 million) in Rainbow Robotics in 2023. This followed earlier investments in January 2022, when it acquired a 10.22 percent stake for 59 billion won and an additional investment of 27.8 billion won in March 2022.
The subsequent call option paved the way for Samsung to increase its holdings and ultimately become the largest shareholder.
With Rainbow Robotics now a subsidiary, Samsung plans to leverage the company’s advanced robotics expertise alongside its own capabilities in artificial intelligence and software. This synergy aims to accelerate the development of intelligent humanoids and advanced robotics solutions.
The newly established future robotics office is to focus on securing groundbreaking technologies for future robotics, including humanoids, to create new paradigms in the field.
Samsung also said that Oh Jun-ho, a founding member of Rainbow Robotics and honorary professor at KAIST, will serve as an adviser to Samsung and head of the future robotics office after retiring from Rainbow Robotics.
Samsung Vice Chairman and co-CEO Han Jong-hee emphasized the company’s commitment to strong growth during its device experience event in September. He highlighted robotics, medical technology, automotive solutions and eco-friendly air conditioning as four strategic areas for future growth.
To maximize the partnership’s potential, Samsung and Rainbow Robotics will operate a synergy council. The council will oversee collaborative efforts in developing robotics technologies, formulating business strategies and identifying market opportunities. This collaboration will enhance both companies’ leadership in the global robotics industry.
Samsung also plans to deploy Rainbow Robotics’ collaborative, dual-arm and autonomous mobile robots to automate tasks in manufacturing and logistics. These robots, equipped with AI algorithms, will be able to analyze environmental variables and data in real time, significantly enhancing their operational capabilities.
For Rainbow Robotics, the tech giant’s global sales network offers a gateway to international markets, paving the way for aggressive overseas expansion.
“By becoming Rainbow Robotics’ largest shareholder, we anticipate significant synergy in future robotics development. This partnership will ultimately contribute to the mutual growth and success of both companies,” said a Samsung Electronics official.
