Samsung and Nvidia Invest in U.S. Robotics Startup 'Skild AI'

Samsung Electronics and U.S. semiconductor company Nvidia have made minority equity investments in the American robotics software startup Skild AI. This move is seen as a strategic effort to secure advanced technology and a talent pool in preparation for the expansion of the consumer robotics market.

On June 12, Bloomberg reported, citing multiple sources, that Samsung Electronics plans to invest $10 million (approximately 13.7 billion KRW) in Skild AI, while Nvidia is set to contribute $25 million (approximately 34.3 billion KRW). This Series B funding round is being led by Japan’s SoftBank with a $100 million investment, valuing Skild AI at approximately $4.5 billion.

In South Korea, companies such as LG, Hanwha, and Mirae Asset are also reportedly participating with investments ranging from $5 million to $10 million each. The combined investment from these companies, including Samsung Electronics, brings the total amount invested by Korean firms to over 40 billion KRW.

Samsung Electronics is said to have made this investment both to gain close access to Skild AI’s technology and talent, and to avoid falling behind other domestic companies such as LG, Hanwha, and Mirae Asset in the investment trend. While some within the company assessed that Skild AI’s technology may be somewhat lacking compared to market competitors, the decision was ultimately made as part of a strategic response.

Nvidia is focusing on “Physical AI,” including autonomous vehicles and robotics, as a next-generation growth engine, and is expanding its presence in related semiconductors, software, and services. Skild AI, which develops software enabling autonomous robotic operation, is considered one of the companies with high potential for technological synergy with Nvidia.

Previously, Samsung Electronics also made a minority equity investment in the robotics algorithm startup Physical Intelligence, which has raised a total of $400 million and reached a valuation of $2.4 billion. Beyond robot vacuum cleaners, Samsung is expanding into the development of home robots such as humanoids, and, in collaboration with Google, plans to launch the Ballie, a small projection robot, in the second half of the year. Additionally, as the largest shareholder of humanoid robot manufacturer Rainbow Robotics, Samsung is contributing to the development of the domestic robotics ecosystem.

Skild AI is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and develops AI-based software that supports autonomous thinking and decision-making in robots. As global technology giants increasingly enter the robotics sector, strategic investments in related startups are expected to continue to grow.