Samsung Electronics held its first executive-level robot demonstration following the establishment of the 'RX (Robotics eXperience) Business Promotion Office.' With No Tae-moon, Head of the DX (Device Experience) DivisionLee Sa (President), in attendance, the company showcased core humanoid (human-shaped) robot technology—specifically sophisticated hand manipulation capabilities—raising expectations for commercialization.
According to the electronics industry on the 10th, Samsung Electronics' RX Business Promotion Office conducted a humanoid demo at its R&D campus in Oryu-dong, Seoul. Samsung Electronics established the RX Business Promotion Office directly under the leadership of Ji Nan-dal (CEO) Director. Noh (President), who was appointed as head of the RX Business Promotion Office, visited the demonstration site to verify Samsung Electronics' humanoid technology capabilities and review future business directions.
During the demonstration, various movements of the humanoid robot were implemented. It was reported that the humanoid robot also demonstrated taking photos by operating a camera directly. Handling a camera like a human requires high-level technology to precisely control both fine finger movements and the force of contact with objects simultaneously.
Industry sources indicate that Samsung Electronics' robotic hand technology has reached a significant level of maturity. Samsung Electronics has focused on developing robotic hand technologies primarily through 'Hand Lab,' under the Future Robotics Promotion Group. It is also understood that the company is developing a tendon-based drive mechanism that moves fingers in a manner similar to human tendons to achieve sophisticated hand movements.
A humanoid robot's hands, which manipulate objects like humans, are considered among the most challenging technologies in the robotics field. While actions such as walking, jumping, dancing, and gymnastics require sophisticated full-body control technology, the hands must not only move joints but also instantly detect contact states with objects and adjust force accordingly in real time.
In actual industrial settings, sophisticated hand manipulation technology is essential for humanoid robots to perform tasks such as assembly, inspection, and tool usage in place of humans. Samsung Electronics plans to expand into the consumer market after first expanding its presence in the industrial robot market based on technologies verified at manufacturing sites.
The company also recruited a robotic hand expert. Kim Ui-gyeom, a professor at Ajou University with research achievements in robotic hands and manipulation, is set to join the RX Business Promotion Office. The U.S. humanoid company '1X Technologies,' which received investments from Samsung Electronics and OpenAI, is also known for its sophisticated robotic hand technology utilizing the tendon method.
Samsung Electronics' humanoid technology has not yet been officially unveiled externally, but it is understood that full-body control technology has also reached a significant level. Internally, the company is preparing to unveil robot technologies at 'CES 2027,' the world's largest IT and consumer electronics exhibition, scheduled for early next year in Las Vegas, U.S.
Samsung Electronics plans to focus its capabilities on nurturing the robotics business alongside the establishment of the RX Business Promotion Office. The company has already consolidated robot development capabilities that were previously dispersed across multiple organizations, including the Future Robotics Promotion Group, Samsung Research Robot Center, and the Robotics Business Team, into the 'RX Business Promotion Office.'
The newly established RX Business Promotion Office will oversee everything from medium- to long-term robotics strategy formulation to core technology development and commercialization. Operating as an organization directly under the CEO, the office aims to accelerate decision-making speed and expedite robot technology development and commercialization. Samsung Electronics recently recruited robotics business personnel through an internal job posting (job posting). In addition to Professor Kim, the company also recruited Lee Dong-geon, former Hyundai Motor Group executive and now Vice President and Head of Samsung Electronics' Robotics Strategy Team, and Kim Hyun-jin, a professor at Seoul National University.
In particular, to secure work data—a core competitiveness of robots—the company plans to establish a 'Data Factory' at its Gumi Plant in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Synergies with affiliates are also expected. Samsung Electric produces camera modules and sensors essential for humanoid robots, while Samsung SDI has unveiled a prototype solid-state battery for humanoids called 'SolidStack.'
The growth potential of the humanoid market is also significant. Goldman Sachs projects that the global humanoid market will reach $38 billion (54 trillion won) by 2035. Morgan Stanley forecasts that the humanoid market, including robotics supply chains and related services, will grow to a scale of 5 trillion won (7,100 trillion won) by 2050.
The market value of humanoid companies is already rising rapidly. Recently, China's representative humanoid company Unitree was valued at approximately 13 trillion won during its Shanghai Stock Exchange initial public offering (IPO) process. This significantly exceeds the previously expected valuation of about 9 trillion won.
An industry official stated, "Humanoids are considered a promising growth business in the future," and added, "Although Samsung Electronics acquired RAINBOW Robotics, it is understood that the company is currently focusing more on its own technology development."
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