Samsung Electronics establishes robotics division, names ex-Hyundai executive

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.