Samsung Electro-Mechanics is setting up to supply camera modules for Optimus, the humanoid robot developed by Tesla as part of its vision for physical AI.
A few weeks back, it was reported that Samsung Electronics had earned a $16.5 billion contract from Tesla for supplying semiconductor chips. Now, a new report from a reliable blog, ETNews, revealed that Samsung Electro-Mechanics has signed a contract to supply integrated camera modules for Optimus.
Last month, during the Q2 earnings call, Samsung Electro-Mechanics revealed that for so long it was developing imaging solutions for a “leading partner in the humanoid robotics market”; however, it didn’t reveal the name, but now it’s confirmed as Tesla.
According to the report, the system that Samsung Electro-Mechanics will provide to Tesla uses high-end image sensors from Sony, integrated with lenses and control circuits designed and assembled by Samsung into a complete module, which will be the ‘eyes’ that help Optimus recognize the surrounding environment, navigate, and move smoothly in real space.
The Korean tech giant’s partnership with Tesla doesn’t only seem like a supply contract but also a strategic position in the physical AI value chain. Noticeably, Samsung Electronics is supplying the AI processor, which stands out as the “brain,” whereas Samsung Electro-Mechanics is providing “eyes” that guide Optimus. It’s expected that this new collaboration will be efficient for Samsung to stand strong against its rival brands.
