Samsung Acquires 35% Stake in Rainbow Robotics for $181M, Launches Future Robotics Office

Dec 31, 2024, 01:10 AM

Samsung Electronics has become the largest shareholder of South Korea-based robotics company Rainbow Robotics, increasing its stake from 14.7% to 35% for 267 billion won ($181 million). This acquisition will integrate Rainbow Robotics as a subsidiary in Samsung's financial reports and is expected to conclude by February 2025. Rainbow Robotics, founded in 2011 by researchers at KAIST, specializes in humanoid robots, collaborative robots, dual-arm mobile manipulators, and autonomous mobile robots, including the HUBO series, HUBO2, and RBQ quadruped robots. Samsung has also established a Future Robotics Office reporting directly to its CEO to accelerate the development of advanced robotics, including humanoid robots. The collaboration aims to enhance manufacturing and logistics automation tasks, leveraging Samsung's AI and software capabilities. Dr. Jun-ho Oh, a founding member of Rainbow Robotics, will lead the Future Robotics Office as an advisor. Samsung plans to expand Rainbow Robotics' global reach using its sales infrastructure.