LG CNS is investing in Dexmate, a Silicon Valley robotics startup, signaling a strategic move to integrate humanoid robots into industrial settings like warehouses and factories. The Korean technology services giant aims to revolutionize operations by deploying advanced robotic solutions.
The investment, finalized on Tuesday, was facilitated through LG Technology Ventures, the venture capital arm of the LG Group. The specific financial details of the transaction were not disclosed to the public.
Dexmate, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, specializes in the development of mobile humanoid robots designed to excel in logistics and manufacturing environments. LG CNS highlights that Dexmate’s robots also serve as crucial research hardware platforms for robotics AI developers.
Distinguishing itself from many humanoid robots reliant on bipedal locomotion, Dexmate’s innovative system features an omnidirectional wheeled base coupled with a humanoid upper body equipped with dual arms and sophisticated vision sensors. This design emphasizes both stability and extended operational capabilities within industrial facilities.
Boasting over 36 degrees of freedom, the robot facilitates precise two-handed manipulation and can manage combined loads of approximately 15 kilograms. Dexmate claims its robots can operate for up to 20 hours on a single charge, maximizing productivity and minimizing downtime.
LG CNS envisions combining Dexmate’s hardware with a comprehensive “full-stack RX service.” This integration encompasses three core components vital for large-scale robot deployments: robust robot hardware, a sophisticated robot foundation model acting as the AI control system, and a dedicated platform for robot operation and training.
Robot foundation models are advanced AI systems that translate instructions into physical actions, allowing robots to perform a wide array of tasks without the need for individual programming, streamlining deployment and enhancing flexibility.
LG CNS has been actively forging partnerships to build this technology stack. A prior investment in June of last year saw LG CNS partner with US-based robotics AI developer Skild AI, focusing on developing robot foundation models specifically tailored to the demands of industrial environments.
According to LG CNS, humanoid robots trained on industrial-specific data are currently undergoing rigorous testing in proof-of-concept projects across more than 10 locations, including logistics centers, manufacturing plants, and shipbuilding facilities.
“Beyond simply verifying the technology, our primary objective is to establish a viable business model capable of direct deployment in real-world industrial environments,” stated Lee Jun-ho, Executive Vice President and Head of LG CNS’ Smart Logistics and City Business Unit.
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