news 
Samsung has paid a whopping sum of $181 million to increase its stake in South Korean robotics company, Rainbow Robotics, and has subsequently become the largest shareholder. This significant move is intended to bolster Samsung’s own robotics department and accelerate the development of humanoid robots.
As part of this deal, Samsung will integrate Rainbow Robotics as one of its subsidiaries and establish a new Future Robotics Office directly reporting to the CEO. This strategic acquisition is expected to be completed by February 2025.
Rainbow Robotics, founded in 2011 by researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) Center, has developed innovative products such as dual-arm mobile manipulators and autonomous mobile robots for manufacturing and logistics applications. Currently employing 86 people, the company’s technology is expected to accelerate Samsung’s own robotics initiatives.
This significant partnership comes at a time when other tech giants are also exploring humanoid robot development. Microsoft and OpenAI have already announced plans to use their technologies in the creation of such machines, while Tesla recently showcased its Optimus robot. Additionally, Nvidia has expressed its intention to release compact computers for humanoid robots called Jetson Thor next year.
Samsung had previously identified robotics as one of its key focus areas, alongside AI, 5G, and automotive electronics, hinting at potential future acquisitions in these fields may be on the horizon.
Source: techcrunch.com
