A view of Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ Suwon campus (Image courtesy of Samsung Electro-Mechanics)
SEOUL, Dec. 9 (Korea Bizwire) — Samsung Electro-Mechanics has made a multi-million-euro investment in a Norwegian maker of ultra-small, high-performance electric motors as the company accelerates its expansion into humanoid robotics, industry sources said Tuesday.
The investment in Alva Industries, founded in 2017, was made through Samsung Venture Investment and funded by the SVIC 47 New Technology Investment Partnership. Alva develops next-generation electric motors using its patented fiber-printing technology, which prints metal or advanced materials in filament form to create compact, lightweight and energy-efficient actuators.
The motors are being adopted in a range of applications — including drones, autonomous vehicles and industrial robots — but are particularly suited to humanoid robots, which require smaller, lighter and more precise drive systems.
Alva develops next-generation electric motors using its patented fiber-printing technology, which prints metal or advanced materials in filament form to create compact, lightweight and energy-efficient actuators. (Image from Alva Industries webpage)
Samsung Electro-Mechanics plans to deepen collaboration with Alva Industries to strengthen its competitiveness in critical humanoid components, such as ultra-miniature motors used in robotic hands, and to expand its global position in next-generation robotics.
“Fiber-printing technology is a core competitive asset for next-generation robot actuators and will unlock new possibilities in motor performance and design,” said Chang Duck-hyun, president of Samsung Electro-Mechanics. “This investment establishes a crucial technological foundation for our future humanoid robot business.”
According to market research firm Intel Market Research, the global market for robotic hands is expected to grow from $108 million in 2024 to $696 million by 2032, with demand for small electric motors and other key components projected to rise in tandem.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
