Through collaboration with Rainbow Robotics, Samsung will further strengthen its foundation in the development of advanced robot technology. Rainbow Robotics was founded in 2011 by researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology’s (KAIST) Humanoid Robot Research Center who developed the first two-legged walking robot “Hubo” in Korea.

By combining Samsung Electronics’ AI and software technology with Rainbow Robotics’ robotics technology, the collaboration plans to accelerate the development of intelligent advanced humanoids.

Samsung will also form a synergy council with Rainbow Robotics to strengthen leadership in the advanced robot global business, with the council expected to serve as a bridge to foster the growth of both companies by developing future robot technologies and core business strategies, and identifying and assessing market demand.

With the collaboration, Samsung plans to utilize Rainbow Robotics’ collaborative robots, dual-arm mobile manipulator, and autonomous mobile robots for manufacturing and logistics automation tasks. These robots can greatly improve their work capabilities by learning and analyzing situational data and environmental variables that occur in the field through AI algorithms. Rainbow Robotics is expected to actively enter overseas markets by utilizing Samsung’s global sales infrastructure.

Establishment of Future Robotics Office

Samsung also established a Future Robotics Office reporting directly to the CEO. The office will focus on developing future robots including humanoid robots, aiming to secure competitiveness in new technologies for future robots that will advance current paradigms and transform them into a key growth engine.

Dr. Jun-Ho Oh, a founding member of Rainbow Robotics and honorary professor at KAIST, will serve as an advisor to Samsung and head of the Future Robotics Office after retiring from Rainbow Robotics. Dr. Oh will provide robotics technology and business expertise to Samsung’s future robot development from his deep experience in industry-academia collaboration.

Young Hyun Jun, Vice Chairman and Head of Device Solutions (DS) Division, was named CEO and will also become the Head of Memory Business and Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology. Jinman Han was promoted to President and will become the Head of Foundry Business, while Seok Woo Nam will become Chief Technology Officer of Foundry Business, a newly-created position.

JH Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division, will also lead a newly-created committee that will focus on strengthening product quality across the company.

Jinman Han was previously Executive Vice President and President of Device Solutions America, leading the Company’s semiconductor business in the U.S. Previously, he worked in design teams for DRAM and Flash memory and has also led SSD development and strategic marketing.

Seok Woo Nam, previously President and Head of FAB Engineering & Operations, is an expert in semiconductor process development and manufacturing with extensive experience in memory process technology and foundry manufacturing technology.

Hansung Ko, CEO of Samsung Bioepis, has vast experience in developing new business areas such as biotechnology and is expected lead efforts in finding new growth opportunities.

Other changes in today’s announcement include:

Yong Kwan Kim, named President of Management Strategy at DS Division; previously Executive Vice President of Business Support TF

Wonjin Lee, named President and Head of Global Marketing Office; previously executive advisor for Samsung Electronics

President Hark Kyu Park will move to the Business Support TF; previously Chief Financial Officer.

The Board approved the appointment, which was recommended by Independent Director and Board Chairman Han-Jo Kim.

The Board cited the current uncertain global business environment and the pressing need for stronger accountability and business stability in approving the recommendation.