This image provided by LG Electronics Inc. shows its mobility experience (MX) platform to be showcased at the upcoming CES 2025. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 5 (Korea Bizwire) — LG Electronics has emerged as the global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) robotics patents, reflecting the company’s aggressive investment in the rapidly expanding sector.
A report released by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) revealed that LG filed 1,038 patents related to AI robotics over the past decade, the highest number among global institutions, companies, and universities.
The data, which analyzed AI robotics patents filed in major intellectual property offices (IP5: South Korea, the U.S., China, the EU, and Japan) between 2012 and 2021, shows explosive growth in the field.
Annual filings surged from just 20 in 2012 to 1,260 in 2021, marking a 63-fold increase with an average annual growth rate of 58.5%.
China and South Korea Dominate Patent Filings
China accounted for the lion’s share of filings with 3,313 patents (60%), followed by South Korea with 1,367 (24.7%), and the U.S. with 446 (8.1%). Japan and the EU lagged with 235 (4.3%) and 235 patents respectively.
Among corporate and institutional applicants, LG Electronics was far ahead, followed by Japan’s FANUC with 97 patents, China’s South China Normal University with 83, Google with 71, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences with 66.
Samsung Electronics ranked eighth with 41 patents, reflecting its more measured approach to this sector compared to its domestic rival.
Strategic Investment in AI and Robotics
LG’s leadership in patents stems from its integration of AI technologies like object recognition and voice recognition into cleaning, logistics, and service robots. Shin Cha-seong, head of LG’s IP Center, attributed the company’s success to its focused R&D efforts, which began in earnest in 2017, and its strategic push to secure patents early.
“LG’s early investment in research and its efforts to build a robust patent portfolio have paid off as the company establishes itself as a leader in AI robotics,” Shin said.
Opportunities for South Korea in Global Competition
While China dominates patent filings, KIPO’s Lee Seon-woo noted that many Chinese patents are limited to domestic applications. He emphasized that South Korea could gain a competitive edge by focusing on global patenting efforts, particularly in interaction technologies, motion control, and external environment adaptation for AI robots.
“With global players like Tesla filing relatively few patents, there’s a significant opportunity for South Korea to solidify its position as a leader in AI robotics innovation,” Lee added.
As the AI robotics market continues its rapid expansion, South Korea, led by LG Electronics, is poised to become a key player in shaping the future of this transformative industry.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
