Samsung Steps Up in Humanoid Robotics with Major Investment in Rainbow Robotics

Following the footsteps of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas, Tesla’s Optimus, and Figure 02 from a company partly backed by OpenAI, South Korean tech giant Samsung has taken a significant leap into the competitive arena of humanoid robotics. At the end of December, Samsung doubled its stake in Rainbow Robotics, becoming the primary shareholder of the innovative startup. This move aligns with Samsung’s strategy to make humanoid robotics a cornerstone of its technological vision.

Rainbow Robotics, founded in 2011 by researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and the Center for Humanoid Robot Research, has emerged as a leading robotics firm in South Korea. The company gained prominence with the development of Hubo, South Korea’s first bipedal robot. Hubo earned international acclaim in 2015 by winning the prestigious DARPA Robotics Challenge, securing a $2 million prize and demonstrating the technological excellence of Rainbow Robotics.

Since then, the company has expanded its focus, particularly in collaborative robots (cobots), and extended its reach internationally. In 2023, Rainbow Robotics established a branch in Schaumburg, Illinois, to penetrate the U.S. market. Most recently, in February 2024, the company partnered with the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) and Schaeffler Group to develop mobile robots equipped with bimanual manipulators. By April 2024, Rainbow Robotics introduced the RB-Y1, a bimanual wheeled manipulator robot capable of executing complex tasks across varying heights.

Samsung’s Strategic Pivot to Humanoid Robotics

By 2022, Samsung had identified artificial intelligence, 5G, and robotics as key pillars of its long-term strategy. In 2023, the company invested ₩86.8 billion to acquire a 14.7% stake in Rainbow Robotics, signaling its intent to explore the potential of cobots and humanoid robots. The recent decision to double its stake to 35%, with an investment of €173 million, marks a strategic turning point. By becoming the majority shareholder, Samsung will incorporate Rainbow Robotics into its consolidated financial reports, with the transaction expected to conclude by February.

“Our goal is to accelerate the development of robotics, particularly in the humanoid segment,” Samsung stated. To ensure seamless integration, the company announced the establishment of a dedicated council to foster collaboration between its teams and Rainbow Robotics. This council will focus on market-driven strategies and enhancing the technological capabilities of both entities.

Shaping the Future with Robotics

Beyond its humanoid ambitions, Samsung aims to leverage Rainbow Robotics’ expertise in cobots and bimanual manipulators to optimize its own manufacturing processes. These robots, enhanced with artificial intelligence, promise advanced automation that adapts to environmental and contextual conditions.

Samsung has also unveiled its “Future Robotics Office,” led by Dr. Jung-Ho Oh, co-founder of Rainbow Robotics and an honorary professor at KAIST. This office is tasked with making robotics a strategic growth driver for Samsung, with a particular emphasis on humanoid robots.

Simultaneously, Samsung continues to expand its presence in the robotics sector by investing in other promising startups such as Standard Bots and 1X Technologies, further solidifying its position as a leader in advanced robotics.

With these moves, Samsung is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation, transforming its vision of humanoid robotics into a reality that will shape the technological landscape of tomorrow.