"Why No Samsung Robots?" No Taemoon Says, "Robotics Is Important, We Are Steadily Preparing" [CES 2026]

Hyundai and LG Showcase Robotics
Samsung Says "Considering Additional Investments in Robotics Companies"
Focusing on Four Key Sectors: Air Conditioning, Automotive Electronics, and More
"Concerns Over Price Increases Are Real, Efforts Underway to

At CES 2026, the world’s largest electronics and IT exhibition, participating companies are putting artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics at the forefront. No Taemun, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics and Head of the DX Division, stated that the company is “steadily preparing to enter both B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) sectors with clear plans and objectives” for its robotics business. He also added that Samsung is considering additional investments in robotics-related companies.

During a press conference held at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas on the 5th local time, No responded to reporters’ questions about the absence of Samsung in the “physical AI” robotics trend, which has become a hot topic since last year. He explained, “Samsung Electronics operates multiple manufacturing bases, and automation is being prioritized at these sites.” This suggests a plan to actively introduce industrial robots at various domestic and international production facilities in the future.

At the pre-event activities throughout CES 2026, both domestic and international companies showcased robotics products. Hyundai Motor Group announced a partnership with Google DeepMind in the field of “physical AI” and unveiled its next-generation humanoid robot, the “Next-Generation Electric Atlas,” for the first time. LG Electronics also drew attention by introducing its dual-arm home robot, “LG CLOiD,” at this exhibition. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, highlighted ongoing collaborations in his special address, mentioning robotics products from LG Electronics and Hyundai Motor Group.

No Tae-moon, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics and Head of the DX Division, is speaking at a press conference for Korean reporters held at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, USA, on the 5th local time. Samsung Electronics.

In contrast, Samsung Electronics did not unveil any robotics products at this year’s CES. Previously, at CES 2020, Samsung introduced the home robot “Ballie,” but its commercial release was ultimately canceled. Regarding this, No explained, “Once our robots reach a certain level, they will be deployed in manufacturing sites, and we will make them public at that point.”

No emphasized, “The robotics sector is an extremely important future growth engine for us,” adding, “That’s why, early last year, we announced the collaboration and acquisition of Rainbow Robotics. The set division and DX division of Samsung Electronics are working together to develop core technologies, physical AI, and AI engines to strengthen our robotics competitiveness, and we are also reviewing investments in related companies.”

He further stated that the company is focusing on four key areas: ▲air conditioning, ▲automotive electronics, ▲medical technology, and ▲robotics. No said, “We will prioritize investment and pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in these four areas, not only because they have strong business prospects and visions, but also because technological innovation in these fields can benefit customers and humanity.” Last year, Samsung Electronics successively acquired Plact (air conditioning), ZF ADAS division (automotive electronics), Zelss (healthcare), and the audio division of Masimo (audio).

No has set a goal to sell 400 million new products equipped with AI features this year, including Galaxy smartphones and premium TVs with 4K resolution or higher, as part of the company’s AI vision of becoming an “AI Companion in Everyday Life.” He also expressed the ambition to apply AI features to 800 million Galaxy devices within this year. No stated, “By fully integrating AI into all product categories-mobile, TV, and home appliances-we aim to dramatically improve the quality of life for our customers.”

No Taemun, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics and Head of the DX Division, is speaking at a press conference for Korean reporters held at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, USA, on the 5th local time. Photo by Park Joonyi.

Regarding AI implementation, No emphasized a hybrid AI strategy. He explained that customers will be able to freely choose between “on-device AI” and “cloud AI” depending on their optimal experience. No said, “Each AI platform has its own strengths and user experience, so rather than insisting on a single approach, it is better to provide a variety of options to meet customer preferences.”

To strengthen its TV business, Samsung Electronics has reorganized its TV lineup. The company now offers a full range of products, from the top-tier Micro RGB LED and Neo QLED, to OLED, and even affordable models like Mini LED and UHD. At this CES, Samsung unveiled the world’s first 130-inch Micro RGB TV. As Chinese companies have been gaining ground in the global TV market by emphasizing price competitiveness, Samsung has reinforced not only its premium lineup but also its affordable product range.

No also hinted at the possibility of a price increase for the Galaxy S26 series, which is set to launch next month. He said, “There are significant concerns about rising material costs, especially memory prices. This will inevitably have some impact on the products the company sells, in one form or another.” He added, “We are working with component suppliers to minimize the impact on key parts and are making efforts to keep price increases to a minimum.”