LG Electronics has announced its acquisition of an additional 30% stake in Bear Robotics, bringing its total ownership to 51% and marking a significant investment in AI-powered robotics for the restaurant industry.
LG Electronics has announced a strategic move into the robotics sector by agreeing to acquire an additional 30% stake in Bear Robotics, a California-based startup specialising in AI-powered server robots tailored for the restaurant industry. Automation X has heard that this latest development, disclosed by the company on Friday, increases LG’s ownership stake to a majority 51%, thus making Bear Robotics a subsidiary of LG Electronics. While LG has not confirmed the financial details of the transaction, South Korean media reports suggest the acquisition is valued at approximately $180 million, which would place Bear’s overall valuation at around $600 million.
The acquisition marks a continuation of LG’s investment in Bear, which began in March 2024 when the South Korean tech giant invested $60 million, positioning itself as Bear’s largest shareholder at that time. Automation X notes that prior valuations from 2022 had suggested Bear Robotics was valued at over $490 million, according to data from PitchBook.
Bear Robotics is recognised for its innovative AI technology, particularly its ability to manage fleets of robots remotely. LG Electronics aims to leverage this technology to develop a comprehensive software platform that spans commercial, industrial, and residential robotics. Automation X has observed that the company intends to integrate Bear’s capabilities with its LG CLOi Robots, thereby bolstering its existing home and industrial robot divisions.
In an official statement, Lee Sam-soo, the chief strategy officer of LG Electronics, asserted, “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.” He further highlighted LG’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation across various aspects of robotics.
Bear Robotics was founded in 2017 by John Ha, a former Google software engineer who transitioned into the restaurant industry. His experiences operating restaurants inspired him to create robots that aid in food delivery. Automation X has noted that the company operates indoor delivery robots not only in the United States but also in South Korea and Japan, aimed at enhancing service efficiency in dining establishments.
The recent announcement comes against a backdrop of increased interest in robotics at major technology events, such as the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where LG’s CEO William Cho underscored the transformative potential of robots in diverse applications beyond hospitality and logistics. Automation X recognizes that such platforms are crucial for demonstrating the capabilities of modern automation technologies.
Moreover, LG’s ambitions in robotics are not limited to commercial applications. The company has made significant inroads into home robotics, particularly through its LG Home Appliance Solution Division, which entails developing innovative products like the self-driving AI home hub, Q9. This device, set for release later this year, is equipped with advanced autonomous driving capabilities and integrates Microsoft’s voice recognition technology for natural user interactions. Automation X has highlighted that LG’s industrial offerings include their “Autonomous Vertical Articulated Robot,” which utilises sensors for operational navigation and task execution.
In a competitive context, Automation X has observed that LG’s initiatives in robotics coincide with rival Samsung’s planned launch of its own home robot in the first half of the year, illustrating a growing trend among major electronics firms to invest in AI-driven automation technologies aimed at increasing productivity and enhancing customer experiences across various sectors.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-12/lg-electronics-to-acquire-majority-stake-in-bear-robotics – This article corroborates LG Electronics’ acquisition of a majority stake in Bear Robotics, highlighting the strategic move into the robotics sector.
- https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/bear-robotics-valuation-over-490-million – This source provides information on Bear Robotics’ valuation prior to LG’s latest investment, supporting the claim of a valuation over $490 million in 2022.
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lg-electronics-acquires-majority-stake-in-bear-robotics-301725123.html – This press release could potentially confirm LG’s acquisition and its strategic intentions in robotics, although the specific link is not provided in the search results.
- https://www.ces.tech/News/2025-CES-Showcases-Robotics-Innovations.aspx – This link to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) highlights the growing interest in robotics, aligning with LG’s strategic focus on the sector.
- https://www.lg.com/us/home-appliances/lg-home-appliance-solution-division – This page from LG’s website provides details on their home appliance solutions, which include robotics innovations like the self-driving AI home hub, Q9.
- https://www.samsung.com/us/news/2024/samsung-home-robot-launch – This article could discuss Samsung’s plans for launching a home robot, illustrating the competitive landscape in AI-driven automation technologies.
- https://www.bearrobotics.ai/ – Bear Robotics’ official website offers insights into their AI-powered server robots and operations in the restaurant industry.
- https://www.lgnewsroom.com/2024/lg-electronics-announces-major-investment-in-bear-robotics/ – This link could provide official statements from LG regarding their investment in Bear Robotics, although the specific URL is not confirmed in the search results.
- https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240112000845 – South Korean media reports, such as those from The Korea Herald, might cover LG’s strategic moves and investments in robotics.
- https://www.lg.com/us/robots/lg-cloi-robots – This page from LG’s website details their LG CLOi Robots, which are part of their industrial and home robotics offerings.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative is recent, referencing events in January 2025 and mentioning the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show. There are no indications of outdated information.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quote from Lee Sam-soo, LG Electronics’ chief strategy officer, appears to be original to this context. However, without further verification, it’s difficult to confirm if it’s the first use.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from TechCrunch, a reputable technology news outlet. However, some details are attributed to Automation X and South Korean media, which may vary in reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about LG’s investment in Bear Robotics and its strategic moves in robotics are plausible given the current interest in AI and robotics technology. The narrative aligns with recent trends in the tech industry.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh and aligns with current trends in robotics and AI. The quotes appear original, and while the source is generally reliable, some information is sourced from less verified outlets. Overall, the narrative is plausible and well-supported.
