Samsung is to invest 59 billion won ($46.2 million) in South Korean robot developer Rainbow Robotics, a move that will help strengthen the company’s capacity in artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robot sectors.
Rainbow Robotics said that it will raise 59 billion won by selling new shares to Samsung Electronics to take a 10.3 percent stake in the robot maker. The proceeds will be used as facility and operation funds.
Rainbow Robotics is the first listed robot manufacturer Samsung Electronics is investing in. The company – founded by humanoid robot centre researchers at The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in 2011 – developed Hubo-2, the world’s first commercialized bipedal humanoid robot.
Rainbow Robotics’ sales rose to a record 10.4 billion won in the first 9 months of last year, surpassing 9 billion won reported for all of 2021.
Rainbow Robotics recently developed a cooperative robot RB Series, which is a small robot that interacts with humans and work in various situations such as in factories.
Industry insiders noted that Samsung’s latest investment is part of a move to establish smart factories with RB series.
RB series, which resembles a human arm, can replace humans at dangerous production facilities and be injected in repetitive work. Unlike large-size robots, RB series is smaller and lighter and can be used in factories and warehouses.
Samsung has already introduced different forms of robots. It unveiled Samsung Bot Handy, a robot that helps household chores, at CES 2022 in Las Vegas. The robot can stably hold cups and plates.
