Samsung Electronics has recently made a bold move by disbanding its Robot Business Team in a significant organizational restructuring aimed at enhancing its capabilities in the next-generation robot business. The team was responsible for developing Bot Fit, Samsung’s first wearable robot, which has recently entered the Business-to-Business (B2B) market as a walking aid in facilities like senior living communities.
The restructuring involved shifting the research and development (R&D) personnel under the chief technology officer’s (CTO) task force to leverage synergies in advanced development in the robotics sector. This strategic move comes after the completion of Bot Fit’s development and mass production, signaling a shift towards bolstering the company’s robotics capabilities.
While some industry insiders view the dissolution of the Robot Business Team as unusual, citing the imminent full-scale sales of Bot Fit, others believe it is a necessary step as the technological development of the wearable robot has been slower than expected. Additionally, Samsung’s increasing strategic investment in Rainbow Robotics, a cooperative robotics company, has fueled speculation about a potential acquisition.
Many believe that these restructuring efforts are laying the groundwork for the development of humanoid robots, aligning with Samsung Electronics’ vision for robotics articulated by Vice Chairman Han at CES2024. The company aims to target various sectors such as manufacturing, retail, home, and personal use, with the ultimate goal of creating intelligent robots that can coexist with humans.
Overall, Samsung’s reorganization reflects its commitment to staying at the forefront of the robotics industry and adapting to the evolving market demands for innovative and intelligent robotic solutions.