Samsung Electronics raised its stake in Rainbow Robotics to 35% from 14.7%, strengthening its position in the growing robotics market. The 2.5 trillion won ($1.9 billion) deal makes Samsung the largest shareholder in the Korean robotics specialist.
The move comes as Samsung created a new Future Robot Promotion Team, tapping Jun-ho Oh, a founding member of Rainbow Robotics and robotics professor at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), to lead the division. Oh will transition from his role at Rainbow Robotics to advise Samsung on its robotics strategy.
Samsung’s deeper investment in Rainbow Robotics signals its push to compete in humanoid robots and automation technology. The company has been expanding its robotics portfolio as global tech firms race to develop commercial applications for advanced robots.
Rainbow Robotics, known for developing autonomous robots and control systems, could help Samsung accelerate its robotics capabilities. However, the company faces stiff competition from established players like Boston Dynamics and emerging Chinese manufacturers in the rapidly evolving sector.
