The Chinese efforts in various industries represent a core threat to many of Samsung's lucrative businesses. China is throwing money in the semiconductor manufacturing space to not just achieve self-sufficiency but to also compete against major semiconductor players. It's almost catching up in the OLED segment, where Samsung currently reigns supreme.
Robotics is another segment that's viewed as a future driver of growth by Samsung. Given China's significant investment and advancement in robotics technology, Samsung is keeping a close eye on the developments.
China's focus on robotics is putting Samsung on edge
Executives at Samsung recently held a meeting on robotics and humanoids where China's rapid growth in this segment was discussed. There's a stern realization that China may end up taking the lead in these futuristic industries.
Samsung is reportedly focusing on robots and humanoids as there's renewed interest in such technologies, particularly following the AI boom, as advanced AI would find a natural home in robots and humanoids, potentially altering the course of many industries.
The company already unveiled an AI robot called Ballie earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Samsung has said that it plans to release the device in the near future. If this product ends up doing well, perhaps Samsung may consider launching more robots for consumers. There's also considerable use for robotics technology in the manufacturing sector, and Samsung would be keenly looking at opportunities there as well.
The Chinese are expected to follow the same strategy that they've done in most markets, and that's to competitively price products to quickly gain market share. Companies like Xiaomi and Unitree Robotics have already launched cost-effective robots. The Chinese government is also actively investing in humanoid companies.
Samsung will have to evaluate the rapidly changing landscape in this segment and make decisions that enable the company to maintain a competitive position in industries where it sees future growth.
