The Korea Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has granted final approval for the merger between Samsung Electronics and Rainbow Robotics, signaling a potential acceleration in Samsung's development of humanoid robots.

Key Points:

FTC Approval: The FTC concluded that the merger poses no concerns regarding anti-competitive practices and has approved the corporate consolidation.
An FTC official stated, "We have determined that the concerns about anti-competitive effects from this merger are minimal."
Samsung's Investment: Following an initial investment of 86.8 billion won to acquire a 14.7% stake in Rainbow Robotics, Samsung Electronics exercised a call option, increasing its shareholding to 35%.
Samsung's cumulative investment has reached 350 billion won, and exercising additional call options could further raise its stake to 60%.
Humanoid Robot Development: Industry analysts view Samsung's moves as a strategic effort to solidify its position in the robotics market and to launch a full-scale entry into the humanoid robot business.
Han Jong-hee, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics, recently stated at CES 2025 that the company plans to "progressively pursue the humanoid robot business."
Expectations for Domestic Robotics Industry Growth: An FTC official explained, "We expect that this merger will be an opportunity for the domestic robot industry to make a leap forward in competitiveness in the industrial robot market, which is led by foreign companies in Japan, Germany, and other countries."