[News] Samsung Reportedly Developing In-House Humanoid Robots; Forms CEO-Led RX Robotics Division

Samsung is reportedly accelerating its humanoid robotics ambitions. According to ZDNet, sources say Samsung Electronics has been developing humanoid robots in-house, separate from its subsidiary Rainbow Robotics, with the project already at an advanced stage. The report adds that Samsung’s internally developed humanoid is believed to outperform major domestic rivals, leveraging the company’s extensive hardware manufacturing expertise and production data across businesses including home appliances.

The report notes that Samsung has been quietly developing humanoid robots for years without publicly disclosing the effort. Humanoid development requires three key elements—data, AI models, and hardware manufacturing capabilities—and Samsung is considered one of the few companies with all three. The company can leverage operational data from its manufacturing facilities spanning home appliances, smartphones, semiconductors, and displays. On the AI front, Samsung has also developed its own large language model, Samsung Gauss, the report adds.

Samsung is also reportedly developing proprietary actuators for humanoid robots using motor technologies originally designed for home appliances. According to the report, actuators serve as a robot’s joints and integrate components including motors, controllers, and reducers.

Samsung Strengthens Robotics Push

Last month, Samsung Electronics established a new RX (Robotics eXperience) Business Office reporting directly to CEO TM Roh. According to the report, industry observers view the move as a signal that Samsung is stepping up its push into humanoid robotics.

Samsung also plans to build a Data Factory at its Gumi campus to strengthen data utilization. The report notes that simulating a wide range of real-world scenarios is essential before deploying robots in manufacturing environments. To support robot training, Samsung plans to integrate process data from its existing Gumi manufacturing operations into a dedicated training system.

In addition, Samsung is expanding its robotics organization by appointing key executives and recruiting external talent, the report adds. Last month, the company named former Hyundai Motor executive Lee Dong-geon as head of its Robotics Strategy Team. Lee previously led Hyundai’s robotics strategy, including the operational direction of Boston Dynamics, and will now oversee Samsung’s mid- to long-term robotics business strategy.

Samsung has also recruited robotics engineers at its overseas R&D centers, including Samsung Research America in the U.S. and Samsung Research Beijing in China, according to Maeil Business Newspaper.

Maeil Business Newspaper notes that Samsung has a comprehensive robotics value chain spanning robot components, batteries, AI semiconductors, and finished product manufacturing. In semiconductors—the “brain” of robots—the company has the capability to design AI robot chips. Notably, Samsung Foundry is currently manufacturing Nvidia’s robot chips under contract.

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(Photo credit: Samsung)