Samsung Officially Establishes RX Robotics Division, Led by Former Boston Dynamics Strategy Executive
Miles Bennett
Samsung Electronics has formally established RX — a standalone robotics division reporting directly to the CEO — and appointed Lee Dongkun, who previously shaped Boston Dynamics' strategy at Hyundai Motor Group, to lead it. This signals Samsung is upgrading robotics from internal discussion to an independent business line.
What rank does this new division actually hold?
RX (Robotics eXperience) is a newly created standalone division reporting directly to the CEO, overseeing long-term robotics strategy, core R&D, and business execution.
This means → robotics is no longer tucked inside an existing business unit; it now has a direct line to top leadership.
In plain terms = Samsung has moved from "debating whether to do robotics" to "setting up a dedicated division and going all in."
Why was Lee Dongkun chosen to lead?
Samsung appointed Executive Vice President Lee Dongkun to head the RX strategy team.
He previously led robotics strategy at Hyundai Motor Group and helped shape the roadmap for Boston Dynamics — one of the most recognized names in humanoid robotics worldwide.
This means → Samsung is not starting from scratch; it recruited someone with industry-level, hands-on strategic experience.
Where will the robots be deployed first?
Samsung plans to develop humanoid robots, deploying them first on its own manufacturing lines, then expanding into home and retail settings.
The company says advances in embodied intelligence — technology that gives AI a physical body capable of acting in the real world — are making robotics commercially viable.
In plain terms = prove the robots can work and save money on the factory floor first, then consider sending them into households.
What unique advantages does Samsung bring?
KB Securities notes that Samsung's semiconductor fabs can supply large volumes of real operational data for robot AI training — a resource most robotics companies lack.
Samsung also plans to set up robotics research centers in the U.S., China, and Japan to tap local ecosystems and talent.
This means → Samsung's playbook is "the chip factory is both the customer and the training ground" — feed real production-line data to accelerate robot deployment.
When should we expect tangible results?
In January, Samsung said it aims to achieve "substantive" humanoid-robot results within 2025; in April, it added that investment and acquisitions would be used to accelerate commercialization.
Korean media report that if RX builds its own production line and reaches stable profitability, Samsung may elevate it to a full business unit called "HX" (Humanoid eXperience).
Whether RX can deploy in-house robots on Samsung's production lines by H2 2026 will be the key milestone for judging if this strategy has truly landed.
Content is for reference only, not financial advice.