LG CLOi Carrybot (Image courtesy of LG Electronics)
SEOUL, Mar. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – Amid the rapidly growing global robotics market, fueled by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), tech giants Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are ramping up their investments and research and development efforts.
The robotics sector, which integrates various fields such as AI, semiconductors, optics, telecommunications, software, and mechanical engineering, boasts limitless expansion possibilities, from manufacturing to logistics, hospitality, healthcare, and both commercial and domestic applications.
The advent of generative AI signifies an era where robots continually learn and adapt through software, becoming increasingly intelligent. This development is expected to intensify competition among leading companies eager to dominate the robotics market.
LG Electronics announced a $60 million investment in Bear Robotics, an AI-based autonomous service robot startup, securing equity through a new stock acquisition agreement.
Founded by former Google software engineer Ha Jung-woo and staffed by engineers from big tech firms, Bear Robotics is renowned for its top-tier global robotics development capabilities on an open platform.
Since launching airport guide services at Incheon International Airport in 2017, LG Electronics has accumulated expertise in delivering various robotic solutions across commercial venues, including hotels, restaurants, hospitals, stores, museums, smart logistics warehouses, and golf courses.
The company also boasts its own commercial robot production facilities at LG Future Park in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province.
LG aims to leverage Bear Robotics’ R&D infrastructure and software platform capabilities to lead the standardization of robot platforms, thereby maximizing business efficiency and synergy.
With the mobility industry swiftly transitioning towards software-defined vehicles, LG foresees a similar shift in commercial robots towards AI-based, software-centric systems and is driving standardization efforts in software platforms accordingly.
While LG’s focus is on commercial robotics, it is also developing ‘Smart Home AI Agents’ for household use, including butler and companion robots, with mass production targeted for early next year. These AI agents were showcased at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, this January.
AI companion Ballie by Samsung Electronics (Image courtesy of Samsung Electronics)
Samsung Electronics, identifying robotics as a key growth area, continues to pursue R&D and investment.
The company, which has been researching care and domestic robots, elevated its Robotics Business Task Force to a permanent Robotics Business Team during a 2021 organizational restructuring, signaling a full-fledged move into the robotics sector.
Last year, Samsung acquired a stake in Rainbow Robotics, known for its quadruped robot platform technology.
At CES 2024, Samsung surprised audiences by unveiling ‘Ballie’, a companion robot equipped with generative AI. Ballie, a spherical robot, evolves by continuously learning user patterns, assisting with daily appliance use, home monitoring, and caregiving for elderly family members or pets.
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman and CEO Han Jong-hee expressed optimism about the limitless potential for robots and other devices to become smarter and evolve with generative AI.
He emphasized that Samsung’s ultimate goal is to create intelligent robots capable of coexisting with humans, encompassing manufacturing, retail, and personal home robots.
Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, after witnessing a demonstration of Ballie, suggested exploring integration with Galaxy wearable products and incorporating features beneficial for solitary seniors.
Furthermore, Samsung plans to expand its medical wearable robot offerings from business-to-business transactions in facilities like senior living communities and fitness centers to direct consumer sales.
Samsung’s recent appointment of robotics expert Cho Hye-kyung from Hansung University’s Department of AI Applications as a board member nominee underscores the company’s commitment to the robotics sector.
Cho, a prominent figure in the robotics community, has held various leadership positions with organizations such as the Korea Institute for Robot Industry Advancement; the Institute of Control, Robotics, and Systems (ICROS); and the Korea Robotics Society.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
