Samsung Electronics is making a strategic investment in Skilled AI, a U.S. robotics software startup. This move is interpreted as part of a full-scale effort to secure future robotics development and talent, positioning robotics as a future business following its acquisition of Rainbow Robotics.
On Thursday, major international news outlets reported that Samsung Electronics plans to invest 10 million USD in Skilled AI. The company will participate in the Series B funding round to acquire a minority stake in the startup.
Skilled AI has been valued at approximately 4.5 billion USD. Japan’s SoftBank is contributing 100 million USD, while Nvidia is investing 25 million USD. Several South Korean companies, including LG, Hanwha, and Mirae Asset, are also reportedly participating in the funding round, with investments ranging from 5 million to 10 million USD each.
Foreign media analyzed that Samsung’s investment decision is aimed at securing a pool of talent and startups in the robotics field. As tech companies like Apple, Google, and Tesla pour significant resources into robotics, Samsung is also embracing robotics as a new growth engine, focusing on technology development and talent acquisition.
Samsung’s commitment to expanding its robotics business has been consistent. In March, the company became the largest shareholder in humanoid robot manufacturer Rainbow Robotics by acquiring a 35% stake. More recently, Samsung made a smaller equity investment in Physical Intelligence, a company specializing in robotics algorithms. Looking ahead, Samsung Electronics is expected to launch Ballie, a home AI assistant robot developed in collaboration with Google, later this year.
