The U.S. government’s recent tightening of regulations on Chinese-made robots has given a significant boost to LG Innotek and Samsung Electro-Mechanics in their humanoid robot camera businesses.
Industry sources reported on the 5th that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided on July 28 to ban the import of new advanced robotic devices and power inverters from foreign countries. Specifically, the FCC added advanced robotics products, including autonomous humanoids and quadrupedal robots, as well as foreign-made power inverters, to its Covered List. This move effectively halts the issuance of new device certifications required for sales and imports in the U.S. The decision took immediate effect upon announcement.
While not explicitly targeting China, the FCC’s robot regulations are widely interpreted as a measure to counter the establishment of a global supply chain for advanced robotic equipment and key components centered around China.
The FCC also indicated that it could revoke import certifications for previously approved Chinese products, suggesting that import restrictions may expand in the future.
These U.S. regulations on Chinese robots are expected to have a positive impact on LG Innotek and Samsung Electro-Mechanics, two of Korea’s leading electronic component companies, particularly in their humanoid robot camera businesses.
Earlier this year, both companies announced plans to diversify their business structures beyond their traditional smartphone-focused portfolios, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors. As part of this strategy, they identified robotics as a key driver for long-term growth.
LG Innotek is accelerating its efforts in the humanoid robot market as a leader in vision sensing technology, which serves as the eyes for humanoid robots. Vision sensing is a crucial component that collects real-time information about the surrounding environment. Performance, data security, and supplier reliability are key evaluation criteria in this field.
LG Innotek is the exclusive supplier of vision sensing modules for the U.S.-based Figure AI robot, Figure 03. They are also concurrently developing vision sensing modules for Boston Dynamics’ next-generation robot, Atlas.
Last month, LG Innotek began collaborating with Japan’s TDK, a global electronics powerhouse, to co-develop next-generation vision sensing and tactile sensing modules for robots in the physical AI sector. An LG Innotek representative stated that building on the existing core technologies in sensing, communication, and substrates, it plans to introduce key components for robots not only in vision but also in new areas like touch in the future.
Kim Tong-won, head of research at KB Securities, commented that as the U.S. strengthens import regulations on Chinese robots due to security concerns, it expects to see growing demand for alternatives to Chinese vision sensing products. Consequently, LG Innotek is likely to benefit from the restructuring of the North American robot supply chain.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics has been actively expanding its strategy to leverage its existing strengths in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC) and semiconductor package substrates for the robotics sector. A single humanoid robot requires over 10,000 MLCCs and at least five camera modules, highlighting the high component usage in this field.
Samsung Electro-Mechanics has initiated the development of camera modules for humanoid robots in collaboration with major global clients. Their goal is to begin initial mass production of high-resolution and high-pixel sensing camera modules within the year. The company plans to expand its supply of next-generation products, including high-resolution recognition modules and long-range 3D sensing based on autofocus (AF) technology.
A representative from Samsung Electro-Mechanics stated that they’re proactively developing advanced technologies for small and slim cameras designed for precise object grasping, aiming to capture the humanoid market. It will strengthen cooperation with top-tier clients to actively respond to the growing physical AI market. They added that they’re closely monitoring global trends regarding the U.S. regulations on Chinese robots.