Jang Deokhyun, President of Samsung Electro-Mechanics: "Mexico Plant to Resume Operations in Second Half... Production to Start with Camera Modules for Humanoids" [CES 2026]

Camera Modules Targeting Humanoid Robots
Considering Entry into Core Actuator Components
Discussing Expansion of High-Performance Semiconductor Substrate Lines

Jang Deokhyun, President of Samsung Electro-Mechanics, announced that mass production at the company's recently resumed camera module factory in Mexico will begin in the second half of this year.

On January 6 (local time), after touring Samsung Electronics' exclusive exhibition hall at CES 2026, the world's largest home appliance and IT exhibition held at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, USA, President Jang told reporters, "Production will start with humanoid camera modules." The Mexico factory is being established as Samsung Electro-Mechanics' new production base for automotive camera modules targeting North American automakers. It is also expected to mass-produce camera modules for humanoid robots at this site.

President Jang also revealed that the company is considering entering the actuator business, a core component of humanoid robots. Actuators serve a role similar to human joints, muscles, and nerves and are essential for enabling precise robotic arms and hands. He stated, "One of the most challenging areas in humanoids is the hand," and added, "Since dozens of actuators may be used, we are considering entering the actuator market, including our recent investment in the motor company Alpha Industries."

Jang Deokhyun, President of Samsung Electro-Mechanics, is answering questions from the press in front of Samsung Electronics' exclusive exhibition hall at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, USA, on the 6th (local time). Photo by Joint Press Team.

He further explained that the company is reviewing the expansion of its production line for high-performance semiconductor substrates known as Flip Chip Ball Grid Array (FC BGA), which are experiencing a surge in demand in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). President Jang said, "We plan to operate the FC BGA production line at full capacity starting in the second half of this year," and added regarding the possibility of expansion, "We are considering it cautiously."

AI semiconductors require high-voltage, high-capacity multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) to withstand high power consumption and voltage needed for high-performance computing. In line with this trend, Samsung Electro-Mechanics plans to develop and supply AI-specific MLCC products to major clients. He explained, "As global big tech companies increase investments in AI servers and data centers, demand for MLCCs and FC BGA substrates is rising significantly."

FC BGA is also considered a key component in the expanding AI market. FC BGA serves as the substrate for high-performance semiconductors such as graphics processing units (GPUs) and high-bandwidth memory (HBM), and the larger and more layered the substrate, the higher the technological difficulty. President Jang predicted, "In the past, more than half of FC BGA demand was for PCs, but going forward, demand for AI servers and data centers will increase to 60 to 70 percent."