Key facts
- Samsung Electronics is establishing a new robotics division called RX (Robotics eXperience).
- The division will report directly to Samsung's CEO.
- Lee Dongkun, who previously led robotics strategy at Hyundai Motor Group, will head the Robotics Strategy Team.
- Samsung plans to set up robotics research hubs in the U.S., China, and Japan.
- The company aims to develop humanoid robots for manufacturing, home, and retail sectors.
Samsung Electronics announced on Tuesday the creation of a new robotics division, the RX (Robotics eXperience) division, which will report directly to the chief executive. This move aims to accelerate development and commercialization in the robotics field, establishing it as a key growth engine for the company.
Lee Dongkun, who previously led robotics strategy at Hyundai Motor Group and directed efforts at Boston Dynamics, has been appointed to head the Robotics Strategy Team within the new division. Samsung stated that the RX division will oversee mid-to-long-term robotics strategy, core technology development, and business execution.
To bolster its competitiveness, Samsung plans to establish robotics research hubs in the United States, China, and Japan, leveraging local expertise and ecosystems. This initiative builds upon the company's existing robotics push, with Samsung having previously indicated during an earnings call in January its aim to achieve "tangible" results in its humanoid robotics business this year.
Samsung also indicated in April its willingness to pursue investments and acquisitions as needed to speed up robotics development and commercialization, alongside strategic partnerships with local companies. The company believes advancements in technologies like physical AI are making robotics businesses increasingly viable, with plans to develop humanoid robots initially for manufacturing sites before expanding into home and retail sectors.