Samsung's humanoid robot development is an intriguing story with significant implications for the future of robotics. While the company's public focus has been on its Robotics eXperience (RX) division and Rainbow Robotics subsidiary, there's a quieter, more advanced project brewing within the company's walls. This in-house humanoid robot is reportedly reaching a mature stage, potentially outperforming domestic competitors, and it's all thanks to Samsung's strategic approach to actuator technology and AI development.
A Cost-Effective Advantage
The key to Samsung's success lies in its ability to leverage existing manufacturing capabilities. The company's home appliance business, a powerhouse in producing brushless DC (BLDC) motors, is now being tapped to develop the robot's actuators. These motors, used in products like washing machines and air conditioners, share relevant technologies with robotic actuators, including windings, permanent magnets, rotor balancing, and electronic control systems. This strategic reuse of technology could significantly reduce manufacturing costs and time, giving Samsung a competitive edge in the humanoid robot market.
AI Innovation: Shallow-π and Beyond
Samsung's AI strategy is equally impressive. The company has developed Shallow-π, a Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model that combines visual perception, language understanding, and physical movement. This innovation reduces computational requirements by a third compared to conventional VLA systems, enabling robots to make 17 decisions per second. In factory testing, Shallow-π achieved a remarkable 95% success rate on precision water-hose insertion tasks, coordinating 22 degrees of freedom across both arms and hands.
Additionally, Samsung is developing a World Model that can predict the physical consequences of actions before robots execute them. This capability could enable machines to learn new tasks and adapt to unfamiliar environments, further enhancing their versatility. The company plans to establish a Robot Data Factory at its Gumi campus, using real-world data from semiconductor, smartphone, and appliance production lines to train AI systems and bridge the sim-to-real gap.
The Role of Rainbow Robotics
Despite the in-house humanoid project's progress, Rainbow Robotics remains a crucial part of Samsung's robotics strategy. With a 35% controlling stake, Rainbow Robotics' RB-Y1 wheeled dual-arm robot is being tested in logistics operations. The company's focus on core technology development, business execution, and international research hubs, as overseen by the RX division, ensures a comprehensive approach to robotics.
Conclusion: A Visionary Future
Samsung's humanoid robot development showcases a thoughtful and strategic approach to robotics. By leveraging existing technologies, reducing costs, and innovating in AI, the company is poised to make significant strides in the field. As the industry continues to evolve, Samsung's quiet advancements could position it as a leader in the humanoid robot space, shaping the future of automation and AI-powered machines.
