Samsung Electro-Mechanics (Semco) CEO Duckhyun Chang reportedly met Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter at the company's Suwon headquarters in late July to discuss potential cooperation on next-generation robotics, including humanoid robots.
Industry insiders view this meeting as more than routine courtesy. Instead, it represents a substantive dialogue aimed at expanding their robotics business through direct engagement.
Boston Dynamics, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, is renowned for its robotic dog "Spot" and humanoid robot "Atlas," which feature world-leading dynamic gait, balance control, and machine learning-based autonomous movement technologies.
The very opening of communication between Boston Dynamics and Semco has already drawn significant attention. Should Boston Dynamics' robotics expertise converge with Semco's prowess in electronic components, it could pave the way for an integrated ecosystem combining robotics, components, and artificial intelligence (AI) across Samsung and Hyundai Motor.
Moreover, their collaboration extends beyond technical exchanges and is seen as a strategic move to compete for leadership in the global robotics market. By leveraging Hyundai Motor's vehicle and robotics businesses alongside Samsung's strengths in components, semiconductors, and software, this partnership could reshape the global robotics landscape.
Camera modules positioned as core growth driver in robotics
South Korean media outlet Maeil Business Newspaper cited industry sources as saying that if Semco deepens cooperation with Boston Dynamics by supplying camera modules or jointly developing technologies, the impact would be substantial. The confirmed CEO-level meeting also signals Semco's intent to gradually expand beyond its traditional electronic component business into emerging growth sectors like robotics and automotive.
During its second-quarter 2025 earnings call, Semco highlighted ongoing projects to develop camera lenses for humanoid and quadruped robots in collaboration with top-tier global customers. Industry observers expect the company to supply camera modules for Tesla's humanoid robot Optimus, following Samsung Electronics securing Tesla's AI chip orders.
Samsung Group–Hyundai Motor Group synergies on the horizon
Historically, Semco relied on multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) and camera modules as key growth drivers. However, with the smartphone market maturing and competition intensifying, the company is actively seeking to diversify into robotics, AI, automotive electronics, and energy.
Camera modules, which serve as the "eyes" and core sensors of robots, are crucial components across autonomous vehicles, robotaxis, service robots, and humanoid robots. Successful collaboration with Boston Dynamics could offer Semco a critical opportunity to expand its global customer base in robotic vision systems.
South Korean industry observers believe that the meeting may signal more than bilateral cooperation between Semco and Boston Dynamics. It could potentially spark broader strategic alliances between Samsung Group and Hyundai Motor Group in robotics and AI domains.
Hyundai Motor's robotics ambitions align with Samsung's expansion
Since Hyundai Motor Group acquired Boston Dynamics, robotics has become one of its strategic priorities. The group has pledged to invest US$26 billion over four years in the US, focusing on robotics, automotive, and steel.
Earlier reports indicated that in the second quarter of 2025, Semco began supplying in-cabin camera modules to Hyundai Motor. This marks the first concrete collaboration between Semco and Hyundai Motor, with products intended for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Article translated by Willis Ke and edited by Joseph Chen
