Samsung Creates Dedicated Robotics Division RX to Accelerate Humanoid Hardware Development
Former Hyundai and Boston Dynamics executive Dongkun Lee will lead the new RX robotics unit.
Summary
Samsung Electronics has launched a new dedicated robotics division called RX (Robotics eXperience) to consolidate its various robotics projects and accelerate the commercialization of physical AI
The new unit reports directly to CEO TM Roh and is led by Executive Vice President Dongkun Lee, a former Hyundai executive who previously managed strategy for Boston Dynamics
Samsung plans to invest approximately 19 trillion won ($13 billion) to build humanoid robot manufacturing facilities and a data factory in Gumi, South Korea, alongside global research hubs
Samsung Electronics officially leveled up its physical AI ambitions with the launch of a dedicated robotics division. Dubbed RX (Robotics eXperience), the newly minted unit signaled a major strategic pivot from exploratory research to full-scale commercialization. The South Korean tech giant centralized its scattered talent and technology under one roof to accelerate the development of humanoid hardware. Investors immediately embraced the structural overhaul, sending shares up nearly seven percent following the announcement.
Executive Vice President Dongkun Lee stepped up to lead the strategic direction of the operation. The veteran executive brought heavy industry credibility to the table after previously managing robotics strategy for Hyundai and directing initiatives at Boston Dynamics. Lee reports directly to Samsung CEO TM Roh, who is personally overseeing the enterprise. By placing its highest-ranking executives at the helm, the brand treated autonomous hardware as a central pillar of its long-term growth.
To back up the ambitious leadership structure, the manufacturer allocated 19 trillion won (approximately $13 billion) into physical infrastructure. A massive portion of this capital will fund humanoid robot manufacturing facilities and a specialized data factory in Gumi, South Korea. The company also expanded its global footprint by establishing specialized research hubs across the United States, China and Japan. These international outposts aim to tap into local ecosystems and attract top-tier global talent.
The RX division already bolstered its roster with prominent academic heavyweights to solve complex engineering bottlenecks. Recent recruits include leading experts in autonomous guidance and robotic manipulation, highlighting a deep focus on building capable robotic hands. Operations are anchored at the Seoul R&D Campus in the Seocho District, where two entire buildings are now dedicated exclusively to the robotics initiative.
Real-world deployment is slated to begin rapidly. Samsung plans to integrate these general-purpose robots directly into its own semiconductor, smartphone and home appliance production lines by the second half of this year. Automating its internal manufacturing processes serves as the ultimate testing ground. Once the hardware proves profitable and capable on the factory floor, the tech titan intends to expand its reach into retail spaces and everyday consumer homes.
