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Samsung to Deploy Robots in Factories First, Then Homes, Says CEO

Samsung Electronics will initially focus its robotics capabilities on automating its own manufacturing facilities. The company plans to later expand its robotics business into broader B2B and consumer sectors based on the experience gained. Robotics has been named one of four core areas for the company's future mergers and acquisitions strategy. Concurrently, Samsung aims to embed AI across its entire product lineup, targeting shipments of 400 million AI-enabled devices this year.

Key Points: Samsung Robotics to Focus on Manufacturing Automation First

  • Focus on manufacturing automation first
  • Expansion into B2B and consumer sectors later
  • Robotics is a core M&A focus area
  • Plan to embed AI across entire product lineup
2 min read

Samsung Electronics' robotics capabilities to prioritise manufacturing automation: CEO

Samsung CEO Roh Tae-moon says the company will prioritize using robots to automate its factories before expanding into consumer and B2B markets.

"We are prioritising our robot business as a means to automate our manufacturing hubs. - Roh Tae-moon"

Las Vegas, Jan 6

Roh Tae-moon, chief executive officer of Samsung Electronics, has said that the company will place its near-term focus in robotics on manufacturing automation, as it takes a phased approach to expanding the business.

"We are prioritising our robot business as a means to automate our manufacturing hubs," Roh, co-CEO of the company, said during a press conference in Las Vegas held on the sidelines of CES 2026.

"Based on the capabilities and experience gained there, we plan to expand into business-to-business and business-to-consumer sectors," he added.

The comment came after Samsung Electronics acquired South Korean robotics startup Rainbow Robotics last year as part of its efforts to advance its robotics technologies, including humanoid robots.

The company previously showcased its ball-shaped smart home robot, Ballie, at CES 2024 and expressed its intention to develop humanoid robots to become a major player in the sector, but Roh said the company is focusing first on applications with clear operational impact, reports Yonhap news agency.

"After our program reaches a certain level, robots will first be deployed at our manufacturing sites and later introduced to the public," Roh said.

Roh also said robotics will be one of Samsung Electronics' core areas for future mergers and acquisitions (M&As).

"We will focus our M&A strategy on four sectors -- heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), automotive parts, medical technology, and robotics," he said. "We plan to invest in these areas and pursue M&As that contribute to consumers and society through technological innovation."

Samsung Electronics has recently announced several large-scale M&As, including German HVAC firm FlaktGroup Holding GmbH and an automotive technology division of Germany-based ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

To accelerate artificial intelligence (AI)-led innovation, Roh said Samsung Electronics has a plan to embed AI across its entire product lineup.

"AI will be applied to all Galaxy smartphones, premium TVs and Wi-Fi-enabled home appliances," he said. "We aim to ship a total of 400 million units of these products this year."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As someone working in tech, I appreciate the phased approach. Too many companies promise humanoid robots tomorrow. Building capability in B2B first is pragmatic. Curious if this will impact manufacturing jobs in their global supply chain, including any plants in India.
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Rohit P
Ballie was so cute at CES! But I get it, business needs come first. 400 million AI-powered units is a massive target. If their phones get even smarter, it's good for us consumers. Waiting for the day a Samsung robot helps my mom in the kitchen!
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Sarah B
The focus on HVAC and medical tech through M&A is interesting. With India's climate and growing healthcare needs, innovations in these areas from a giant like Samsung could have a big impact here. Hope they consider local partnerships.
V
Vikram M
Solid strategy. Automate your own factories, improve efficiency and quality, then sell the solutions. This is how you build a real robotics business, not just PR stunts. Hope Indian manufacturers are watching and learning.
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Kavya N
While the tech is exciting, I have a respectful criticism. I hope Samsung also invests heavily in re-skilling programs for workers whose jobs might be automated. Technological progress should be inclusive. The 'clear operational impact' shouldn't just be on the balance sheet.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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