Samsung Launches RX Robotics Division
Samsung Electronics has launched its new Robotics eXperience (RX) Business Promotion Office on July 21, 2026, marking a significant push into advanced robotics. Led by CEO TM Roh and featuring former Boston Dynamics strategist Lee Dong-geon, this division will consolidate R&D efforts. The goal is to develop industrial and humanoid robots, transforming all.
In a significant strategic overhaul, Samsung Electronics has officially launched its Robotics eXperience (RX) Business Promotion Office, a dedicated division aimed at accelerating the company's foray into advanced robotics. The announcement, made on July 21, 2026, positions robotics as a critical new growth engine for the South Korean tech giant, with a clear focus on both industrial automation and future humanoid capabilities.
The newly formed RX division will operate directly under the supervision of Samsung Device eXperience (DX) CEO TM Roh, underscoring the company's commitment to rapid decision-making and swift market responsiveness. This centralisation aims to integrate Samsung's disparate robotics technologies and talent, previously spread across various departments, into a cohesive unit responsible for mid-to-long-term strategy, core technology development, and commercialisation efforts. Is Intel Planning More Layoffs After Cutting 14,000 Jobs This Year? Here's What Report Says.
Leadership and Expertise
To lead this ambitious initiative, Samsung has brought in seasoned expertise. Lee Dong-geon, an Executive Vice President from Samsung Electronics' Planning Team, has been appointed to head the Robotics Strategy Team within the RX division. Dong-geon brings invaluable experience, having previously led robotics strategy for Boston Dynamics during his tenure at Hyundai Motor Group.
The RX team is further bolstered by the addition of prominent academic researchers: Professor Kim Hyun-jin of Seoul National University, renowned for his work in intelligent autonomous robot systems and control, and Professor Kim Eui-kyeom of Ajou University, an expert in robotic hands and manipulation technologies. These appointments highlight Samsung's intent to strengthen its fundamental research capabilities in crucial areas for advanced robotics.
Strategic Vision and Investment
Samsung's immediate strategy for the RX division involves a two-pronged approach. The company plans to initially focus on industrial robots, leveraging them to automate its extensive global manufacturing facilities. The goal is to transform all Samsung production sites into "AI autonomous factories" by 2030, serving as a proving ground before offering these solutions to other manufacturers in the business-to-business (B2B) segment.
Beyond industrial applications, Samsung is actively pursuing humanoid robots, aiming for "tangible" results in this segment in 2026. The company intends to collect vast amounts of real-world process data from its manufacturing operations to continuously train and improve robot precision and adaptability.
In a clear signal of its financial commitment, Samsung disclosed plans earlier this month to invest approximately 60 trillion won (around $40.5 billion to $40.7 billion) in the Yeongnam region of South Korea. A significant portion, 19 trillion won, is earmarked for Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, to establish a mass production line for humanoid robots and associated AI data center infrastructure.
Global Reach and Market Impact
The RX Business Promotion Office will be headquartered at Samsung's Seoul R&D Campus in Umyeon-dong, with plans to integrate various robot-related personnel and expand research infrastructure. Additionally, Samsung intends to establish global research and development hubs in key robotics markets including the United States, China, and Japan, to tap into local expertise and technological ecosystems.
This aggressive push into robotics has been met with positive market sentiment, with Samsung's stock surging by approximately 6% to 6.76% following the announcement, outperforming the broader Korean Composite Stock Price Index (Kospi). OpenAI Robotics Hiring Engineers To Manufacture Robots: CEO Sam Altman.
The move comes amidst increasing competition in the global robotics landscape, with players like LG, Tesla (Optimus), Honor, and Unitree actively developing humanoid and other advanced robotic systems. Samsung's strategic investments, including becoming the largest shareholder in Rainbow Robotics by the end of 2024, indicate a comprehensive approach to securing a leading position in this burgeoning industry.
Disclaimer: AI tools assisted in compiling the foundational data and research for this report. The final content was reviewed, edited and verified by human editors at LatestLY.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 21, 2026 05:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
