Samsung Electronics has announced that it will officially become the largest shareholder of Rainbow Robotics, a leading robotics startup in Korea. This is a strategic move to promote the development of advanced robotics technologies, including humanoid robots.
Samsung has increased its stake in Rainbow Robotics to 35%, after exercising an option to purchase an additional 14.7% stake from its initial investment. Previously, in 2023, Samsung Electronics invested 86.8 billion won (equivalent to 59 million USD) in this startup. With the increase in stake, Samsung now holds the role of the largest shareholder, making Rainbow Robotics a subsidiary in its consolidated financial reporting system.
Rainbow Robotics was founded in 2011 by researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). The company is known for developing Hubo, Korea’s first bipedal robot, and has established itself in the humanoid robotics industry.
Samsung Electronics said it will combine its artificial intelligence (AI) and software development capabilities with Rainbow Robotics’ robotics expertise to accelerate the creation of smarter and more advanced humanoid robots.
In addition, Samsung has established the Future Robotics Office to focus on innovation in the field of robotics. The move is aimed at ensuring competitiveness in the high-tech industry and making robotics one of the key growth drivers in the future.