Samsung has set up a new research lab concentrating on drones, robotics, 3D printing and virtual reality.
The research group will be part of Samsung’s mobile division but will operate independently, building on the work done by the company in robotic vacuum cleaners and, most recently, its Gear VR headset built in partnership with Facebook’s Oculus Rift.
A Samsung spokesperson told the Korea Times: “Given the significance of the team, members will have more authority and independence because the main purpose of the team isn’t to develop single devices for any imminent results, but to develop solutions to go with Samsung’s manufacturing capabilities. The team will explore how technologies could help people’s daily life for a better future.”
The move forms part of Samsung chief executive BK Yoon’s plan to finally make the Internet of Things (IoT) – an environment where everything is connected to the internet, creating “swarm intelligence” from individually dumb devices – a reality after being simply a meaningless buzzword for years.
Yoon pledged $100m (£66m) in funding for IoT developers and said 100% of Samsung’s products would be internet-connected and IoT capable within five years.
“Samsung’s previous success was mostly due to releasing products that are competitive in pricing,” Samsung said. “This is an old business formula. We need to constantly explore new ways to meet the needs of people through innovation and updated technologies.”
Samsung’s revenues in its mobile business have declined as growing sales of the company’s smartphones, including the flagship Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series, have faltered with competition from Apple at the top end and Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi and Lenovo at the bottom.
The company is likely to look to the innovation centre to revitalise its technology sales leveraging Samsung’s extensive expertise in semi-conductors and component manufacturing.
