LG Electronics Aims to Dominate Humanoid Robot Market with New 'Brain'
Source: kmjournal.net
LG Electronics is making a big move into the future of robotics. The company is now fully developing the software platform that will power its household humanoid robots, setting the stage for commercialization.
Dedicated Software Division
LG Electronics has created a specialized robotics platform research unit. This team, within the Home Solution Business Division, focuses on the advanced software needed for robot intelligence.
Key engineers from the Robotics Advanced Research Lab have joined this effort. The team is led by robotics software expert Kim Young-jae, who previously worked at Apple and Qualcomm.
Home Robots vs. Industrial Robots
Household robots face more complex challenges compared to industrial robots. They require real-time processing of vast sensor data and must be user-friendly.
LG has established a dedicated unit specializing in software to tackle these challenges and advance robot intelligence.
Group-Level Collaboration
LG Group is fostering close collaboration among its affiliates, with LG Electronics at the center. LG Innotek is producing camera modules for robots, supplying them to companies like Figure AI.
The LG AI Research Institute is also enhancing its AI model, Exaone, to support humanoid research in collaboration with KIST (Korea Institute of Science and Technology).
From Research to Commercialization
LG is shifting from investing in overseas robotics startups to leading commercialization directly. This change transforms its structure from research-focused to product-driven.
Previously, LG introduced the pet-like robot “Q9” but struggled against cheaper Chinese products. Now, the company is gearing up for a counterattack in the robotics market.
The Dawn of Humanoid Robotics
Industry experts say early experience in humanoid robotics is crucial for long-term advantage. LG plans to use its expertise in home appliances to speed up development.
It will integrate environmental data, sensors, motors, and battery tech from its affiliates. This effort showcases LG’s ambition to shape the future of industry and compete globally.
High Stakes in the Robot Race
The “robot brain” LG is developing is a significant tech advancement. It also represents a test of how a Korean company can establish itself in the competitive global humanoid market.