Samsung Creates New Robotics Division to Speed Up AI and Humanoid Robot Development

Samsung Electronics has announced a major step toward expanding its robotics business by creating a new division dedicated to robotics. The company said the move is part of its long-term plan to make robotics one of its future growth engines.

The new unit, called the Robotics eXperience (RX) Division, will report directly to Samsung’s chief executive. It will oversee the company’s long-term robotics strategy, develop core technologies, and manage the commercialization of robotics products. The division will also focus on expanding Samsung’s robotics research capabilities in South Korea and overseas.

Samsung Creates New Robotics Division to Speed Up AI and Humanoid Robot Development

To lead the initiative, Samsung has appointed Lee Dong-kun as head of the robotics strategy team. Lee previously worked at Hyundai Motor Group, where he led robotics strategy and helped oversee the direction of Boston Dynamics, the US-based robotics company owned by Hyundai.

As part of its global expansion, Samsung plans to establish dedicated robotics research hubs in the United States, China, and Japan. The company believes these countries have strong robotics ecosystems and technical expertise that can help speed up innovation. The international research centers will operate under a newly created RX Business Office, which will report directly to Samsung co-CEO Roh Tae-moon. The office will mainly be based at Samsung’s research and development campus in Seoul.

Samsung said it will continue investing in robotics infrastructure to strengthen its position in the fast-growing industry.

Focus on Humanoid Robots

The announcement builds on Samsung’s broader robotics ambitions. During its earnings call earlier this year, the company said it aimed to achieve meaningful progress in its humanoid robotics business in 2026.

In April, Samsung also revealed that it was open to investments and acquisitions to accelerate robotics development. The company said it would work with local technology firms while exploring new opportunities to expand its capabilities.

Samsung believes recent advances in artificial intelligence, especially physical AI, have made robotics more practical for real-world use. The company plans to develop humanoid robots that can improve productivity and user experience. These robots are expected to be used first in manufacturing facilities before expanding into homes and retail environments.

Building Stronger Expertise

Samsung has also strengthened its robotics talent by hiring two well-known researchers in the field: Professor Hyoun Jin-kim from Seoul National University and Professor Kim Ui-kyum from Ajou University. The company hopes their expertise will support the development of advanced robotics technologies.

Industry analysts believe Samsung’s latest appointments could lead to closer cooperation with Hyundai Motor Group. Since the new robotics strategy is being led by a former Hyundai executive with experience at Boston Dynamics, experts expect the two South Korean companies to find more opportunities for collaboration in robotics.

Global Race in Robotics

Samsung’s move reflects a growing global trend in which major technology companies are investing heavily in robotics and factory automation. Companies such as Tesla, Alphabet, and Hyundai are spending billions of dollars on humanoid robots, expecting the technology to help solve labor shortages and create new business opportunities beyond traditional markets like smartphones, semiconductors, and electric vehicles.

With its new robotics division, international research centers, and continued investment in AI-powered machines, Samsung is positioning itself to play a bigger role in the next generation of intelligent robotics.