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Samsung hires ex-Hyundai robotics chief Lee Dongkun to lead new humanoid robot division
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Samsung Electronics has hired former Hyundai Motor robotics executive Lee Dongkun to lead its newly created Robotics eXperience (RX) division, signaling a major push into humanoid robots and physical AI. The division will oversee long-term strategy, core technology development, and commercialization, reporting directly to the CEO. Lee previously directed Hyundai's robotics plans, including work with Boston Dynamics. Samsung plans to establish robotics research hubs in the US, China, and Japan, and aims to deploy humanoid robots first in manufacturing sites to improve productivity before expanding into homes and retail. The company has also invested 267 billion won in Rainbow Robotics and backed AI robotics developer Skild AI. The move comes as the global robotics market accelerates, with 542,000 new industrial robot installations in 2024.
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Author: Shomik Sen Bhattacharjee Read Time: 5 min
Samsung Electronics has appointed former Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. robotics executive Lee Dongkun to lead its push into humanoid robots and physical AI, placing the newly created robotics division directly under the company's chief executive.
Former Hyundai Executive Leads Robotics Strategy
According to a Reuters report, Samsung announced on Tuesday that its RX, or "Robotics eXperience," division will oversee long-term strategy, core technology development, and commercialization. Lee, now an executive vice president, will lead the Robotics Strategy Team after previously directing Hyundai's robotics plans, including work involving Boston Dynamics.
The appointment gives Samsung an executive familiar with one of the most advanced players in the humanoid industry. Hyundai recently moved to take full control of Boston Dynamics, whose electric Atlas robot is expected to enter Hyundai's Georgia manufacturing operations by 2028.
Benzinga reached out to Samsung Electronics for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Samsung Expands Global Physical AI Research
Samsung will also establish robotics research hubs in the U.S., China, and Japan, leveraging local engineering talent and technology ecosystems to strengthen its global capabilities. The company stated that advances in "physical AI"—which enables machines to perceive and act in real-world environments—are making commercial robotics increasingly viable.
The expansion follows Samsung's growing investments in the sector:
- In December, Samsung became Rainbow Robotics' largest shareholder after investing 267 billion won (then worth approximately $181 million).
- Samsung has also backed AI robotics developer Skild AI.
Humanoid Plans Target Factories Before Consumers
Samsung stated in January that it wanted "tangible" results from humanoid robotics this year. The company plans to deploy humanoids first at manufacturing sites to improve productivity, before expanding into homes and retail businesses. Samsung has separately outlined plans to convert its manufacturing network into "AI-driven factories" by 2030.
The wider market is accelerating. The International Federation of Robotics recorded 542,000 new industrial robot installations in 2024—more than double the level from a decade earlier—with Asia accounting for 74% of deployments.
Image via Shutterstock
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Samsung launches new robotics division RX, plans global research hubs