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Samsung Invests $181 Billion In Robotics: A Bold Step Toward Humanoid Innovation

Samsung Electronics has made a game-changing move by becoming the largest shareholder of Rainbow Robotics, a South Korean robotics company. With this $181 billion investment, Samsung now holds a 35% stake in the firm, signaling its determination to dominate the robotics industry.

Key Facts

  • Strategic Acquisition: Samsung’s stake, previously under 15%, has now expanded to 35%, with Rainbow Robotics set to become a subsidiary by February 2025.
  • Humanoid Focus: This move will bolster Samsung’s robotics division and fast-track the development of humanoid robots.
  • Global Expansion: The deal opens doors for Rainbow Robotics to leverage Samsung’s vast global network to enter international markets.
  • Future Robotics Office: Samsung will establish a dedicated Future Robotics Office, reporting directly to the CEO, to oversee its robotics ventures.

About Rainbow Robotics

Founded in 2011 by KAIST researchers, Rainbow Robotics specializes in advanced robotics, including dual-arm mobile manipulators and autonomous robots for manufacturing and logistics.

The Bigger Picture

Samsung’s investment positions it alongside tech giants like Microsoft, OpenAI, Tesla, and Nvidia in the race to develop autonomous humanoid robots. Notable competitors include Tesla’s Optimus and Nvidia’s upcoming Jetson Thor compact computers for humanoid applications.

This investment also aligns with Samsung’s 2022 announcement that robotics, AI, 5G, and automotive electronics would be central to its long-term strategy. The deal underscores Samsung’s vision of becoming a leader in transformative technologies.

TikTok Returns To US App Stores 

TikTok is once again available for download in the Apple and Google app stores in the US, following a delay in the enforcement of its ban by former President Donald Trump. The ban’s postponement until April 5 gives the administration additional time to evaluate the situation.

Key Developments

The decision to restore TikTok access came after Google and Apple received reassurances from the Trump administration that they would not face legal consequences for reinstating the Chinese-owned app. According to Bloomberg, US Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter outlining these guarantees.

In an executive order signed on January 20, Trump instructed the attorney general not to take enforcement action for 75 days, providing time for his administration to determine how to proceed.

Uncertain Future For TikTok In The US

While TikTok is back on the US app stores, its long-term survival remains uncertain. If no deal is reached by early April to address national security concerns, the app may face another shutdown. ByteDance, the parent company, has insisted that TikTok is not for sale.

Legislation And Pressure On ByteDance

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Enemy-Controlled Apps Act, which passed with bipartisan support in Congress, mandates a nationwide ban on TikTok unless ByteDance sells its US operations. This law was signed by President Joe Biden in April of last year.

In late January, the app was briefly removed from US stores following the ban’s activation, impacting over 170 million American users. However, TikTok was restored soon after, following Trump’s intervention in his first hours as president. During that time, he signed an executive order allowing 75 days for a deal that would safeguard national security. Trump also suggested that the US could take a 50% stake in TikTok, a move he believed would keep the app “in good hands.”

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