Why we invested in Aidin Robotics, enhancing human-robot collaboration across industries
Robot development faces the critical challenge of ensuring safe and efficient human-robot collaboration in industrial settings. Traditional robots often lack the sensitivity to detect nearby humans or objects, leading to safety risks and operational inefficiencies. Aidin Robotics resolves this issue with advanced force and torque sensing technology and innovative impedance-based proximity detection technology, allowing robots to perceive and physically interact with their environment with high sensitivity.
We invested in Aidin Robotics because their sophisticated force and torque sensing technology sets them apart from other products. Aidin's sensors accurately measure actual forces and torques, providing robots with the capability to detect interactions with human-level precision. This ability allows robots to identify the degree of force and torque being applied, enabling them to handle objects with the necessary sensitivity for tasks that were previously too delicate for automation.
By integrating Aidin’s force and torque sensors, robots can now operate in environments where precise application of force is crucial, making them safer, more adaptable, and more efficient in dynamic settings. This advancement is expected to broaden the scope of robotic applications, enabling deployment in new areas that require human-like dexterity and interactive capabilities.
We joined Aidin Robotics’ ₩15 billion (approximately $11.2 million) Series B funding round led by Korea Investment Partners, with participation from POSCO Investment, CJ Logistics, and GS Ventures. This round brings Aidin Robotics’ total funding to ₩20 billion (around $15 million) since its inception. The capital infusion is intended to support talent acquisition, product development, mass production scaling, and global market expansion.
We are excited to support the Aidin Robotics team and their leadership of unmatched expertise in robotics and sensor technology. President and CEO Dr. Hyouk Ryeol Choi, an IEEE Fellow and former president of the Korea Robotics Society, brings decades of leadership in robotic sensors. Co-CEO Dr. Yoon Haeng Lee, an award-winning system developer known for his groundbreaking work on quadruped robots, adds extensive system development experience. CTO Dr. Yong Bum Kim, a robotic sensor specialist with international academic achievements, rounds out a team uniquely positioned to drive innovation in human-robot collaboration.
Investing in Aidin Robotics presents an exciting opportunity to see how their advanced force and torque sensing technology is integrated into future robotics initiatives, further enhancing safety and adaptability in human-robot interactions.
Thomas Choi is an investor at Samsung Next. Samsung Next’s investment strategy is limited to its own views and does not reflect the vision or strategy of any other Samsung business unit, including, but not limited to, Samsung Electronics.