Samsung Forms Dedicated Robotics Team for Chip Manufacturing

Samsung targets factory automation with new robotics division

Samsung has established a specialized robotics team within its semiconductor business to develop automation solutions for chip manufacturing facilities. The move represents a strategic push to transform the company's fabrication plants into AI-driven autonomous operations.

The newly formed "AX/PI" team operates under Samsung's Global Manufacturing & Infra Technology unit, which sits within the Device Solutions division. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the group draws personnel from Samsung's equipment technology research institute, bringing expertise in equipment development, component localization, and automation systems.

Initial deployment focused on maintenance tasks

Samsung plans to deploy robots first for equipment maintenance operations, targeting repetitive tasks currently performed by contractors and on-site engineers. The company is currently in data collection and planning phases, mapping out robot routes, defining work areas, and determining parts storage configurations before full-scale deployment.

Industry observers note that semiconductor fabrication facilities offer favorable conditions for robotic automation. The controlled environments feature fixed equipment layouts, predetermined movement paths, and standardized processes—characteristics that simplify robot integration compared to more variable manufacturing settings.

Other semiconductor equipment manufacturers have already demonstrated viable automation solutions. Lam Research introduced its Dextro collaborative robot in 2024, designed specifically for semiconductor equipment maintenance. The system handles routine tasks including installation, securing, and cleaning of consumable components.

Why it matters

Semiconductor manufacturing faces persistent labor challenges and rising complexity as chip designs advance. Automation can address both issues by reducing dependence on skilled technicians for routine tasks while improving consistency in critical maintenance operations. For Samsung, which competes directly with TSMC in advanced chip production, manufacturing efficiency gains could translate into competitive advantages in cost structure and production capacity utilization.

Broader robotics strategy beyond manufacturing

The chip factory automation initiative represents one strand of Samsung's robotics development. The company separately operates an RX business office under its Device eXperience division, focused on general-purpose humanoid robots and commercialization opportunities. That effort targets broader applications beyond Samsung's own operations.

The AX/PI team, by contrast, concentrates specifically on internal manufacturing automation. Samsung has publicly stated its goal of operating AI-powered autonomous plants in South Korea and internationally by 2030, positioning this robotics team as a key enabler of that transformation.

These details were first reported by Korea JoongAng Daily.