LG Aims for Robotics Leadership with Humanoid Robot 'Brain' Development
Source: kmjournal.net
LG Electronics is aggressively pursuing dominance in the robotics sector, intensifying its focus on developing the core software for humanoid robots. This move signals a shift from research to actively commercializing advanced robotics technology.
Dedicated Division for Robotics Software
LG Electronics has established a specialized robotics platform research unit within its Home Solution Business Division. This team is dedicated to crafting the advanced software essential for powering robot intelligence.
Key engineers from LG's Robotics Advanced Research Lab are joining this new unit. The team is led by Kim Young-jae, a robotics software expert with prior experience at Apple, Qualcomm, and Velodyne Lidar.
Household Robots Face Unique Challenges
Creating humanoid robots for homes presents more difficulties than developing industrial robots. These robots must process extensive real-time sensor data and respond naturally to users.
LG's dedicated software unit will focus solely on overcoming these complex challenges and improving robot intelligence.
LG Group Collaboration
LG Group is fostering close collaboration among its various affiliates, with LG Electronics at the center. LG Innotek, for example, produces camera modules that serve as the “eyes” for robots, supplying them to companies like Figure AI.
Furthermore, the LG AI Research Institute is improving the vision capabilities of its Exaone AI model. This enhancement will support humanoid research in partnership with KIST (Korea Institute of Science and Technology).
From Research to Real Products
While LG previously invested in robotics startups to gain new tech, it is now directly leading commercialization efforts. This transition demonstrates a shift from a research-focused approach to a product-driven one.
LG once introduced the “Q9” robot, but it struggled against cheaper Chinese competitors. The company is now planning a strategic counterattack.
The Humanoid Robot Race
Industry experts suggest that early experience in humanoid robotics will provide a significant long-term competitive advantage. LG plans to combine its expertise in home appliances with data, sensors, and battery tech from its affiliates to speed up development.
This initiative showcases LG Group's broader vision to reshape the future industrial landscape. The “robot brain” under development represents LG's ambition to become a leader in the global humanoid robot market.