LG Doubles Down on Robotics with a Bold $180M Bet

LG Electronics is making waves in the tech world with its latest power move: acquiring a 51% majority stake in Bear Robotics, a California-based startup revolutionizing AI-powered server robots for restaurants. This deal, reportedly valued at $180 million, catapults Bear Robotics to a staggering $600 million valuation. LG isn’t just dipping its toes into robotics—it’s diving in headfirst, signaling its commitment to making robotics a cornerstone of its future growth.

“This additional investment underscores our dedication to positioning robots as a pivotal growth engine for the company, reflecting our belief in their inevitable role in the future.”

Lee Sam-soo, Chief Strategy Officer at LG Electronics

Why Bear Robotics? The AI Edge

Bear Robotics isn’t just another startup—it’s a game-changer. Known for its cutting-edge AI technology that manages fleets of robots remotely, Bear has already made a name for itself in the restaurant industry. Its robots are designed to deliver food seamlessly, solving real-world challenges in hospitality. LG plans to integrate Bear’s expertise with its own LG CLOi Robots, creating a powerhouse in commercial, industrial, and home robotics.

• AI-Powered Fleet Management: Bear’s tech allows multiple robots to work in harmony, a critical feature for scaling operations.
• Global Reach: Bear’s robots are already operational in the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, proving their versatility and reliability.
• Founder Vision: CEO John Ha, a former Google engineer turned restaurateur, built Bear to tackle the challenges he faced firsthand in the restaurant industry.

LG’s Robotics Ambitions: A Decade in the Making

This isn’t LG’s first rodeo in robotics. The tech giant has been quietly building its robotics empire for over a decade. From deploying guide robots at South Korea’s Incheon International Airport in 2017 to developing its Autonomous Vertical Articulated Robot for industrial use, LG has consistently pushed the boundaries of what robots can do.

But LG isn’t stopping there. Its Q9 Home Robot, set to launch later this year, is a glimpse into the future of home automation. Equipped with Microsoft’s voice recognition and synthesis technology, the Q9 can navigate, sense, and even converse with users, making it a true AI-powered home hub.

The Bigger Picture: Robotics at CES 2025

Robotics was a major theme at CES 2025, and LG was front and center. CEO William Cho highlighted the potential for robots to expand beyond hospitality and logistics, envisioning a future where robots are integral to everyday life. With this latest investment, LG is positioning itself as a leader in the AI-driven robotics revolution.

“We will persist in driving innovation across all sectors of robotics, encompassing commercial, industrial, and home applications.”

Lee Sam-soo, Chief Strategy Officer at LG Electronics

What’s Next for LG and Bear Robotics?

With Bear Robotics now a subsidiary, LG is poised to accelerate its robotics ambitions. The integration of Bear’s AI technology into LG’s existing robotics units promises to create unprecedented synergies. From self-driving home hubs to industrial robots with advanced navigation capabilities, the possibilities are endless.

As LG and Bear Robotics join forces, one thing is clear: the future of robotics is here, and it’s powered by AI. Buckle up—this is just the beginning.