LG acquires majority stake in Bear Robotics; Strategic investment aims to accelerate innovation across LG Commercial, Home and Industrial Robotic solutions
Bear Robotics is a Silicon Valley-based startup company that was founded in 2017 and has gained recognition for its AI-powered indoor delivery robots, catering to markets in the US, South Korea, and Japan. Back in March 2024, LG made an investment of USD 60 million in Bear Robotics which secured LG a 21% stake and a call option agreement for up to an additional 30% stake.
On January 22, 2025, LG’s Board of Directors exercised a call option to acquire an additional 30% stake in Bear Robotics. Today LG announced via a press release, that upon completion of the call option exercise, LG will hold a controlling 51% stake in Bear Robotics company, effectively incorporating it as a subsidiary.
This strategic investment by LG aims to expand its presence in the commercial robot market through Bear Robotics. Concurrently, LG intends to leverage its AI and manufacturing expertise to reinforce its home and industrial robot businesses. LG’s commercial robot business, primarily centered around LG CLOi Robots, will be integrated with Bear Robotics.
It is also mentioned that the key management team of Bear Robotics, including CEO John Ha, will remain in place to ensure stable business continuity and will continue to focus on creating synergies in LG’s commercial robot business. The company’s focus will be on delivering a holistic experience where home robots, powered by LG’s Affectionate Intelligence, can astutely discern the well-being of family members and seamlessly integrate with home appliances and services. A prime illustration of this vision is the Self-driving AI Home Hub (project name: Q9), scheduled for release within the year.
The acquisition of management control of Bear Robotics is expected to create collaboration across LG’s entire robotics business, including commercial robots. LG intends to create an integrated software platform for commercial, industrial, and home robots leveraging Bear Robotics’ technology.
As per a statement by Chief Strategy Officer at LG Electronics, Lee Sam-soo, “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. We will persist in driving innovation across all sectors of robotics, encompassing commercial, industrial, and home applications.”