Samsung to Become Top Shareholder in Rainbow Robotics via 35% Stake

Seoul, South Korea—Samsung Electronics will become the largest shareholder in Rainbow Robotics by increasing its stake to 35% through a call option exercise. This follows its initial 14.7% stake acquisition, valued at KRW 86.8 billion in 2023.

According to a company announcement on Tuesday, the South Korean technology giant will incorporate Rainbow Robotics as a subsidiary under its consolidated financial statements.

Samsung Electronics has established a Future Robotics Office, which reports directly to the CEO, to focus on developing future robots, including humanoid robots.

Rainbow Robotics, founded in 2011 by researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology's (KAIST) Humanoid Robot Research Center, developed Korea's first two-legged walking robot "Hubo."

Dr. Jun-Ho Oh, a founding member of Rainbow Robotics and an honorary professor at KAIST, will transition from Rainbow Robotics to serve as an advisor to Samsung and head the Future Robotics Office.

The companies will establish a synergy council to develop robot technologies and core business strategies. 

Samsung plans to utilize Rainbow Robotics' collaborative robots, dual-arm mobile manipulators, and autonomous mobile robots for manufacturing and logistics automation tasks.

Rainbow Robotics aims to expand into international markets using Samsung's global sales infrastructure. 

At the same time, Samsung will integrate its AI and software technology with Rainbow Robotics' robotics technology to accelerate the development of intelligent humanoids.