LG takes Majority Stake in Bear Robotics to Boost Robotics Division
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SEOUL, South Korea – LG Electronics (LG) has substantially expanded its presence in the robotics sector by acquiring a majority stake in Bear Robotics, a leading California-based startup specializing in autonomous service robots for the restaurant industry.
The move, announced on January 24th, 2025, sees LG exercise a call option to purchase an additional 30% stake in bear robotics, following an initial investment of $60 million in March 2024.This initial investment secured LG a 21% stake, paving the way for the current majority acquisition. While the exact financial details of the latest investment haven’t been publicly disclosed, South Korean newspaper Dong-a Ilbo reports the acquisition to be valued at approximately 250 billion won (around $166 million).
Bear Robotics will now operate as a subsidiary of LG, integrated into its commercial robotics division.This strategic move underscores LG’s commitment to establishing robotics as a key growth driver alongside its existing strengths in connected devices, smart home solutions, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Founded in 2017, Bear Robotics has gained recognition for its innovative “servi” robots, designed to navigate restaurant environments autonomously, serving food and beverages. These robots, currently deployed in the United States, South Korea, and Japan, are equipped with advanced 3D cameras and LiDAR sensors, enabling them to safely navigate around obstacles.
Beyond the restaurant sector, bear Robotics has also developed the “Carti” series of robots, capable of transporting up to 100 kg of cargo within industrial settings and warehouses. The company has secured backing from prominent investors, including SoftBank, further solidifying its position as a leader in the robotics industry.
LG’s existing experience in robotics, especially with its “CLOi” series of robots, will complement Bear Robotics’ expertise. The “ServeBot,” a member of the CLOi family, is already being utilized for delivery tasks in the hospitality and healthcare sectors.
This acquisition marks a notable step forward for LG in its ambition to become a major player in the rapidly evolving robotics market.
The Robot Revolution: Samsung and LG Battle for Your Home
The race to bring robots into our homes is heating up, with tech giants Samsung and LG leading the charge. Both companies are making significant strides in developing innovative robotic solutions, promising to revolutionize the way we live.
Samsung recently announced its plans to launch Ballie, a spherical robot designed to seamlessly integrate with smart homes.Equipped with a built-in projector,Ballie can control various connected devices,from adjusting the thermostat and lighting to managing music playback. This versatile robot aims to simplify daily tasks and enhance user convenience.
Adding to its robotic ambitions, samsung established a dedicated subsidiary focused on developing humanoid robots. This move signals the company’s long-term commitment to pushing the boundaries of robotics and exploring new applications for these bright machines.
LG is not far behind in the race. The company unveiled its “Smart Home AI Agent,” a robot capable of autonomous navigation and equipped with advanced sensory capabilities. this AI-powered assistant can recognize voices, sounds, and images, allowing it to interact with users in a natural and intuitive way.LG’s ”Smart Home AI Agent” leverages Microsoft’s speech recognition and synthesis technology, ensuring seamless interaction and a user-pleasant experience.
In the industrial sector, LG’s ”Autonomous Vertical Articulated Robot” demonstrates the company’s expertise in developing robots for specialized tasks. This agile robot can perceive its surroundings, manipulate materials, assemble components, and even inspect for defects, showcasing the potential of robotics in streamlining manufacturing processes.
The competition between Samsung and LG is driving innovation in the robotics industry, with both companies striving to create robots that are not only intelligent but also user-friendly and adaptable to various environments. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more complex and versatile robots entering our homes and workplaces in the years to come.The Future of Food: How Technology is transforming Our Plates
From lab-grown meat to vertical farms, technology is revolutionizing the way we produce and consume food. As the global population continues to grow, the need for sustainable and efficient food systems has never been greater.
One of the most exciting developments in this field is the rise of cellular agriculture. This innovative approach involves growing animal products, such as meat, poultry, and dairy, directly from animal cells in a laboratory setting. By eliminating the need for traditional animal farming, cellular agriculture has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption.
Another promising technology is vertical farming. This method involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often indoors and in controlled environments. Vertical farms can produce high yields of fresh produce year-round, nonetheless of weather conditions. They also require significantly less water and pesticides than traditional agriculture.
artificial intelligence (AI) is also playing an increasingly significant role in the food industry. AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of data to optimize crop yields, predict food shortages, and personalize dietary recommendations.
These technological advancements are not without their challenges. The cost of producing lab-grown meat and vertical farming remains relatively high, and ther are concerns about the potential impact of AI on jobs in the food sector.
However, the potential benefits of these technologies are too significant to ignore. As research and progress continue, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions emerge that will help us feed a growing population in a sustainable and ethical way.Please provide me with the article you would like me to rewrite as a SEO-optimized news article. I’m ready to put my SEO and journalism skills to work!
The Robot Revolution: Samsung vs. LG, Who Will Win Your Heart (and home)?
Tech giants Samsung and LG are locked in a battle to bring robots into our lives.Time.news sat down with robotics expert Dr. Emily Chen to break down this exciting race and what it means for consumers.
Time.news: Dr. Chen, the race for robotic home assistants is heating up. How are Samsung and LG approaching this challenge?
Dr. Chen: Both companies are leveraging their existing strengths to create compelling robot offerings. Samsung is focusing on creating a truly connected experience with Ballie,its spherical AI assistant.Ballie’s integration with smart home devices promises to streamline daily tasks. Meanwhile, LG’s “Smart Home AI Agent” emphasizes natural interaction and autonomous navigation.This AI-powered robot leverages Microsoft’s technology for seamless interaction.
Time.news: what sets these robots apart beyond their basic functions?
Dr. Chen: Their architectures and strengths lie in different areas. Ballie’s spherical design offers unique movement and interaction possibilities. Its projector functionality opens doors to innovative applications like interactive displays. LG’s “Smart Home AI Agent,” on the other hand,boasts advanced sensory capabilities,allowing it to perceive and respond to its surroundings in a more nuanced way.
Time.news: Samsung also has a separate team dedicated to humanoid robots. How will this impact the home robotics landscape?
Dr. Chen: That’s a meaningful move, signaling Samsung’s long-term vision for robots beyond simple assistants. Humanoid robots have the potential to take on more complex tasks and roles within the home, like providing assistance to the elderly or acting as companions.
Time.news: For consumers, what does this rivalry mean?
Dr. Chen: It means exciting advancements and choices.We’ll likely see rapid improvements in AI, navigation, and interaction capabilities across both brands. This competition will drive down costs and make these technologies more accessible.
Time.news: Are there any concerns you have about these developments?
Dr. Chen: As with any emerging technology, there are concerns. Data privacy and security are paramount, especially as these robots become more integrated into our lives. We also need to consider the impact on jobs and ensure ethical progress and deployment of these technologies.
Time.news: What advice would you give to consumers interested in exploring home robotics?
Dr. Chen: Stay informed! Follow the advancements by both Samsung and LG,
and research the specific features and capabilities that align with your needs.
This is a rapidly evolving field, so be prepared for exciting new developments in the coming years.