LG Electronics Secures Majority Control of Bear Robotics, Elevating Startup’s Valuation to $600M
LG Electronics Is Cracking the Robotics Code
TL;DR: LG grabs a majority stake in Bear Robotics so it can turn its kitchens into robot‑run wonderlands.
Why Robots Are the New Power Play
South Korea’s tech giant, LG, is making a bold move into the future of automation. They’ve just sealed a new deal to buy an extra 30% of Bear Robotics, a California‑based startup that’s already cooking up AI‑powered robots to serve food at restaurants. The result? LG now owns 51% of Bear, turning the company into a full‑on subsidiary.
The Deal in Numbers
While LG didn’t spill the exact price, a local Korean source estimates the new stake was worth roughly $180 million. That pushes Bear’s valuation to somewhere around $600 million, according to financial data.
“We’ll Announce the Final Amount When the Paperwork Is Done”
A LG spokesperson said the precise figure would be disclosed once the deal closes. Until then, all we know is that LG is ready to roll up its sleeves and bring robot server tech into the mainstream.
<h3 What LG Gonna Do With Bear
- Integrate AI Capabilities: Bear’s tech lets multiple robots talk to each other, so LG can overload its existing LG CLOi robots with newfound smarts.
- Refresh the Software Stack: The company plans to fuse Bear’s software with its own domestic and industrial robot designs, creating a unified platform for all kinds of robot apps.
- Accelerate Innovation: With AI at the core of the robotics game, LG’s investment should supercharge its software prowess, a move that aligns with the industry’s shift to smart automation.
- Keep the Bears Handler on Board: CEO John Ha, a former Google engineer turned foodie, will stay on to guide the new synergy with LG’s bot arm.
Why John Ha’s Restaurant Roots Matter
John Ha founded Bear in 2017 after seeing the chaos that comes with running a restaurant. That background gave him a mission: design sleek robots that can deliver dishes without the human merry‑go‑round hustle.
Bear’s Global Footprint
The SoftBank‑backed startup now navigates indoor food delivery in the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, with a fleet of robots that are as snug as a baby in a delivery bag.
From $60 Million to $600 Million
Half a year ago, LG dumped $60 million into Bear, making it the top shareholder. Back in 2022, Spot‑Band data pegged the company at over $490 million, so this latest pitch is a stairwell straight up.
Final Thought
LG’s foray into robotic servers feels like a plot twist in the tech saga—think James Bond meets a pizza‑delivery robot. And honestly, if Robespierre had invented a robot server, the bartenders would be pretty upset!
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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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LG Electronics: Taking the Robot Revolution by Storm
When the buzz in the tech world swirled around robots last year, LG didn’t just float in the gossip; it storm‑trotted straight into the spotlight. CEO William Cho made it crystal clear that robots aren’t confined to snappy hotel check‑ins and slick delivery drones—there’s a whole universe of possibilities waiting to be tapped.
Why Robots? Because the Future’s Already Here
- Lee Sam‑soo, LG’s chief strategy officer says, “The extra capital we’re pouring into robotics shows our decision to make them a core engine for growth. We truly believe they’ll take the helm when we look ahead.”
- We’re not stopping at white‑board brainstorming. “Robotics will keep advancing across every niche—from commercial to industrial to the comfy corners of homes,” Lee adds.
Decade‑long Secret Sauce
Forget the “AI craze” that swept the world last year—Asia was on the frontlines back in the 2000s. LG’s involvement with robotic tech dates back more than ten years, and they’ve been quietly rolling out innovations while the world was still learning what a robot could do.
In fact, LG put a squad of guide robots into action back in 2017, paving the way for guests at Incheon International Airport to find their gates without a trip to the information desk. That was just the tip of the iceberg. The company’s research labs have been churning out smarter software and sleeker hardware for half a decade.
What’s Next? The Road Ahead for LG’s Robots
- More gizmo‑savvy home assistants that can adapt to your mood and preferences.
- Work‑site industrial bots that help streamline production lines without replacing the human touch.
- Fresh design ideas for commercial robots that could become a staple of retail and hospitality settings.
So, while other companies may still be tossing around the idea that robots might be a niche gadget, LG’s firmly planting its flag across all territories. Their confidence? Unshakable.
LG’s home and industrial robots
LG’s Robot Revolution: From Home Helpers to Industrial Powerhouses
Did you hear that LG’s not just making TVs? The tech giant is building a whole army of robots that can do the dishes, drive your car, and even help your factory get things done—without the executive tape‑tied to a spreadsheet.
Meet Q9: The Self‑Driving Home Hub
Picture a sleek little robot that glides around your living room, flicks through your smart devices, and tests your snacks with the same ease the real house‑keeper would. That’s the Q9. It’s slated to hit shelves later this year and packs some serious tech:
- Autonomous navigation—no manual steering required.
- Multi‑modal sensing—voices, sounds, and even the difference between a latte and a cappuccino.
- Microsoft’s voice engine—you’ll chat with it as if you’re talking to a friend.
In short, Q9 is the future of “smart living” that won’t need you to remember where you left the remote.
LG’s Industrial MVP: The Autonomous Vertical Articulated Robot
When the task at hand is heavy lifting and precise coordination, LG turns to its Autonomous Vertical Articulated Robot. With an array of sensors, it can:
- Navigate tight spaces.
- Move objects with pinpoint accuracy.
- Perform repetitive jobs faster than any human can.
Think of it as the MacGyver of the manufacturing floor—only it’s plastic and not as dramatic.
Samsung’s New Comrade? The Competing Home Robot
Now the biggest rivalry step in the room: Samsung announced that its own home robot will roll out in the first half of the year. Expect a showdown that might involve coffee competition, toy wars, or good old-fashioned bragging. Stay tuned!
LG’s Investment Sweetener: Bear Robotics Gets a $60M Boost
While LG’s robots roam the living rooms and factories, it’s also backing the startup daredevils behind Bear Robotics. The robot‑waiter team just secured $60 million, meaning the next time you order a pizza, you could probably hear Bear explaining the graphics card specs while bringing it to your plate.
Why It Matters
- Cut costs on labor and increase precision.
- Boost productivity with reliable, 24‑hour service.
- Bring new excitement to everyday chores.
In a world where “home” is increasingly tech‑laden, LG’s robotics arm is taking a big step—turning the household into a semi‑automated wonderland and factories into sleek, efficient hubs. It’s no wonder Samsung is watching closely, ready to counter with its own shiny solutions. The future is here, and it’s oddly adorable.
