Samsung Invests $181M to Claim Biggest Share in Rainbow Robotics
Samsung Goes All‑In on Robotics
From 14.7% to 35% – the big leap
Samsung Electronics announced on Tuesday that it has taken a 35% stake in Rainbow Robotics, up from the 14.7% it owned before. The deal, valued at KRW 267 billion (about $181 million), will be finalized by February 2025.
Why the jump?
- Samsung paid KRW 86.8 billion (roughly $59 million) for the first slice in 2023.
- The move is meant to turbo‑charge Samsung’s robotics division.
- It will give the company a solid partner for developing humanoid robots that can actually do more than just follow orders.
Rainbow Robotics – Where the magic happens
Founded in 2011 by KAIST researchers, Rainbow has built dual‑arm mobile manipulators and autonomous mobile robots used in manufacturing and logistics. With just 86 employees, it’s a lean but mighty outfit.
The New Future Robotics Office
Samsung has set up a Future Robotics Office that will report straight to the CEO. Dr. Jun‑ho Oh, Rainbow’s founding figure and former largest shareholder, will join the team to spearhead this new venture and act as an adviser.
Global Expansion Power‑Up
Now a Samsung subsidiary, Rainbow will leverage the giant’s global reach to push its robots overseas, hitting markets that were previously out of reach.
Who’s the new rival?
- Microsoft & OpenAI are gearing up to plug AI tech into their own humanoid robots.
- Tesla showcased Optimus this year, giving the field a fresh splash.
- Nvidia plans the Jetson Thor line next year – a compact computer meant to keep robots humming.
Samsung’s Roadmap
Back in 2022, Samsung flagged robotics as a core focus alongside AI, 5G, and automotive electronics. With this new acquisition, the company is clearly pressing the accelerator.
Bottom line
Samsung’s hefty investment in Rainbow is more than just a merger—it’s a bold statement that the Korean tech giant is serious about being a frontrunner in the next generation of autonomous machines.
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Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
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