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Samsung advances humanoid robot tech for factories

Samsung Electronics plans to develop both hardware and software for its robotics business, starting with factory automation before expanding into B2B and consumer applications, CEO Roh Tae-moon said.

Patent data from KIPRIS shows Samsung has filed more than 10,000 robot-related applications, including dozens tied to humanoid technologies.

Recent patent filings include a “Robot for Preventing Interruptions” that identifies the primary user and does not execute commands from an intervening person, and a humanoid robot hip joint describing a three-actuator design to mimic human leg motion.

Roh said the company is collaborating with Rainbow Robotics, which it acquired last year, to develop foundational technologies and physical AI engines.

The company aims to transform its production facilities into AI-driven autonomous factories by 2030. It has also reportedly set up a dedicated lab focused on robotic hands, a key component for deploying humanoids in manufacturing environments.

🔗 Source: The Chosun Daily

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

Samsung is building a robotics business from the inside out

  • Samsung is making Rainbow Robotics a subsidiary. It also set up a Future Robotics Office that reports to the CEO. Dr. Jun-Ho Oh will advise Samsung and lead the office after retiring from Rainbow Robotics 1.
  • This setup lets Samsung serve as a technology supplier plus a high-volume buyer. It can test factory robots across its domestic and overseas manufacturing network 2.
  • The company also built in-house humanoid-robot building blocks, including actuators, sensors, and middleware software (software that connects different systems). That approach helps Samsung control more of the robotics stack 2.

Global manufacturers are ramping up humanoids and factory AI

  • Samsung joins a wider push among manufacturers. Foxconn and Hyundai have also shared plans for humanoid robots in factories 3.
  • Samsung plans to turn its global plants into “AI-Driven Factories” by 2030. The rollout ties AI into the manufacturing value chain while adding humanoid and task-focused robots across production lines over time 4.
  • The factory plan draws on consumer AI work. Samsung cites “Agentic AI,” first introduced on the Galaxy S26 series, as a base it is extending into manufacturing 4.

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