Samsung Becomes Largest Shareholder in Korean Rainbow Robotics Firm
The Korean tech giant aims to accelerate humanoid robot development through this strategic investment.
Samsung Electronics has acquired a controlling stake in Rainbow Robotics, increasing its share from 14.7% to 35% with a 267 billion won ($181 million) investment. The deal, expected to complete in February 2025, will make Rainbow Robotics a Samsung subsidiary.
This follows Samsung’s initial investment of 86.8 billion won ($59 million) in 2023 and supports the company’s push into robotics, AI, 5G, and automotive electronics. The move puts Samsung in direct competition with other tech giants like Microsoft, OpenAI, Tesla, and Nvidia in the race to develop humanoid robots.
Samsung plans to combine its AI and software capabilities with Rainbow Robotics’ expertise to speed up the development of intelligent humanoid robots. The companies will form a synergy council to strengthen their position in the global robotics market, focusing on future technologies and core business strategies.
We do news. We don’t do cookies.
Our website does not collect, store, or share any user data. If you enjoy our content and value your privacy, consider supporting us.
Who are Rainbow Robotics?
Rainbow Robotics , founded in 2011 by researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), specializes in dual-arm mobile manipulators and autonomous mobile robots for manufacturing and logistics. The company’s founder, Dr Jun-ho Oh, will lead Samsung’s new Future Robotics Office as an adviser.
The deal benefits both companies – Samsung can accelerate its robotics development while Rainbow Robotics gains access to Samsung’s global network. With 86 employees, Rainbow Robotics brings specialized expertise as tech companies increasingly focus on autonomous robotics.
The timing is significant as other major players make moves in the robotics space. Tesla has showcased its Optimus robot, while Nvidia plans to launch Jetson Thor, a new computer system for humanoid robots, next year.
This acquisition further intensifies the competition between global tech giants including Microsoft, OpenAI, Tesla, and Nvidia in the race to develop advanced robotics systems.