LG Electronics Aims for Humanoid Robot Leadership with New Software Push
Source: kmjournal.net
LG Electronics is doubling down on humanoid robots, shifting from research to real-world applications. The company aims to dominate a market where competitors, particularly from China, are vying for control.
Dedicated Division for Robotics
LG Electronics has established a specialized robotics software division within its Home Solution Business unit. The team will concentrate on creating advanced software to power robot intelligence.
This group is composed of top engineers from the company’s Robotics Advanced Research Lab. Kim Young-jae, an expert with previous experience at Apple and Qualcomm, leads the team.
Home Robots Offer Unique Challenges
Household robots face tougher challenges than those in industrial settings. They must process vast amounts of sensor data instantly and respond naturally to users.
To address this, LG has created a software-focused unit specifically for robot intelligence development.
Group-Level Collaboration
LG Group is fostering collaboration among its various divisions, with LG Electronics at the center. LG Innotek, for example, supplies camera modules—the “eyes” of the robots—to companies like Figure AI.
LG AI Research is also enhancing its AI model, Exaone, to boost humanoid research with KIST (Korea Institute of Science and Technology).
From R&D to Commercialization
LG is now directly leading commercialization through its business divisions. This marks a shift from its previous research-focused approach of investing in overseas robotics startups.
LG once launched the pet-like robot “Q9” but struggled against cheaper Chinese products. The company is now planning a comeback.
The Dawn of Humanoid Robotics
Industry experts believe that companies gaining early experience in humanoid robotics will have a significant long-term advantage. LG plans to integrate its home appliance expertise, combining data, sensors, and battery technology.
This effort reflects LG’s ambition and a broader strategy to reshape the future industrial landscape. The “robot brain” represents a crucial test for LG to establish itself in the global humanoid race.