Samsung Research

Samsung Research. It is the advanced research and development division of the multinational conglomerate Samsung Group, functioning as the central hub for its future technology initiatives. Established to drive innovation beyond immediate product cycles, it focuses on foundational and exploratory research across a wide spectrum of next-generation fields. The organization plays a critical role in sustaining the technological leadership of Samsung's flagship companies, including Samsung Electronics and Samsung SDI.

History

The origins of centralized R&D within Samsung Group can be traced to earlier institutes like the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT), founded in 1987. A significant restructuring in 2012 led to the consolidation of various R&D efforts under the Samsung Electronics umbrella to enhance synergy. The entity was formally launched under its current name in 2017, integrating SAIT and other key research centers to create a unified front for pioneering research. This move was championed by then-Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong as part of a broader strategy to accelerate innovation in response to global competition from companies like Apple Inc. and Huawei.

Organization and locations

Samsung Research operates through a global network of research centers, with its headquarters situated in the Samsung Digital City in Suwon, a major hub for Samsung Electronics. Key domestic facilities include the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology in Giheung and major labs in Seoul, such as those in the Gangnam District. Internationally, it maintains advanced research centers in critical technology regions worldwide, including Samsung Research America in Silicon Valley, Samsung R&D Institute UK in Staines-upon-Thames, and institutes in Moscow, Beijing, Bangalore, and Tel Aviv. These global outposts collaborate closely with local academia, including Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Research and development activities

Its R&D activities are strategically divided between exploratory research for the long-term and advanced development for mid-term product integration. Core research domains encompass artificial intelligence, with major efforts in deep learning and natural language processing led by its AI Center. Significant work is also conducted in robotics, next-generation communication networks like 6G, and advanced semiconductor materials and architectures. The division is deeply involved in software platforms, contributing to the Tizen operating system and the development of the Bixby digital assistant, while also pursuing fundamental research in quantum computing and battery technology.

Key technologies and innovations

The organization has been instrumental in developing several breakthrough technologies that have reached commercialization. In displays, it pioneered advancements in QLED and MicroLED technologies. Its AI research has produced sophisticated on-device AI processors and the NEON project for artificial humans. In telecommunications, it has contributed heavily to 5G NR standards and is a frontrunner in 6G research through collaborations with the University of California, Santa Barbara. Other notable innovations include breakthroughs in graphene ball batteries for faster charging, healthcare technologies like the Samsung Bio-Processor, and core Exynos processor designs.

Collaborations and partnerships

Samsung Research actively engages in open innovation through extensive collaborations with global academic institutions, research consortia, and industry partners. It maintains long-standing research partnerships with top universities such as the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Seoul National University, MIT, and the University of Cambridge. The division is a key contributor to international standards bodies like the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It also participates in major public-private R&D initiatives, including projects funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 programme and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Category:Research and development organizations Category:Samsung Group Category:Companies based in Seoul