Samsung Electronics developing 'robot platform'

Han Jong-hee, Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman, speaks during a press conference held Tuesday in Jung District, central Seoul. [SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS]

Samsung Electronics is developing “a robot platform,” its top executive said Tuesday, citing robotics as the electronics company’s “new growth engine.”

“Samsung Research is currently developing a Samsung robot platform,” said Han Jong-hee, Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman when answering a question about the company’s plan for the robot business during a press conference held Tuesday.

Samsung will release EX1, a robot to assist the elderly with exercise, this year, added Han.

Samsung Electronics recently invested 27.8 billion won ($21.2 million) in Rainbow Robotics, a local robot developer, to secure a combined 14.99 percent of the company.

Han also mentioned that Samsung Electronics will actively incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its businesses.

The press conference was held in Jung District, central Seoul, to introduce Samsung Electronics’ upcoming Bespoke home appliances line-up for this year.

Han named sustainability and digital security as the two biggest themes for the latest line-up of the luxury home appliance brand.

A total of 57 models of Samsung home appliances — including refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners — with improved energy efficiency will be available in the market.

The Bespoke Grande AI Washer, for example, cuts energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to an average device with the highest energy efficiency rating standard.

Moreover, every Bespoke product released this year will support WiFi connection, according to the company.

Despite weak home appliance demand, Samsung Electronics hopes to boost sales of Bespoke products by 50 percent compared to last year.

The goal is to swing back into black in the first half of this year.

“Last year’s operating loss was caused by several factors such as the increase in logistics and raw materials expenses and shrinking demand,” said the vice chairman.

Samsung Electronics’ home appliance division posted an operating loss of 60 billion won in the fourth quarter last year, turning red for the first time since 2015.

“Taking the loss as a big lesson, we are striving to improve the performance,” said Han.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]