LG Electronics Aims for Humanoid Robot Leadership with 'Brain' Development
Source: kmjournal.net
LG Electronics is making a big move into the future of robotics, accelerating the development of software platforms to power household humanoid robots. This signals LG's ambition to lead in a market where competition is fierce, especially from China.
Dedicated Division for Robot Intelligence
LG Electronics has created a specialized robotics platform research unit. This team is part of the Home Solution Business Division, focusing on advanced software for robot intelligence. Top engineers have been reassigned to this unit, led by robotics software expert Kim Young-jae.
Household robots present tougher challenges than those in industrial settings. They need to process a lot of sensor data quickly while also being user-friendly. To handle this, LG has a dedicated unit focused solely on developing robot intelligence.
Group-Level Collaboration
The LG Group is fostering collaboration among its various branches, with LG Electronics at the center. LG Innotek, for instance, produces camera modules for robots and supplies them to companies like Figure AI. The LG AI Research Institute is also improving its AI model, Exaone, to aid in humanoid research.
Chairman Koo Kwang-mo has identified humanoids as a key area for future growth. This commitment was reinforced after his visit to global robotics firms last year.
From Research to Real Products
LG Electronics has previously invested in robotics startups to gain advanced technologies. Now, the company is directly leading commercialization efforts. This marks a shift from being research-focused to product-driven.
LG once launched a pet-like robot called “Q9,” but it couldn't compete with cheaper products from China. The company is now planning a strong comeback in the space.
The Humanoid Race is On
Industry experts say that early experience in humanoid robotics is vital for long-term success. LG plans to use its expertise in home appliances, integrating data, sensors, and batteries to speed up development. This push showcases LG's ambition and the LG Group’s strategy to shape the future of industry.
The “robot brain” LG is developing is more than just a tech advancement. It's a crucial test of how a Korean company can become a major player in the global humanoid robot market.