LG전자, 로봇공학·AI 데이터센터 냉각 분야로 확장 - kmjournal.net

LG Electronics is moving fast to lock in two new growth engines: robotics and AI data center cooling. The company is not just launching new products. It is building a broader business structure that spans components, platforms, and infrastructure. During its first-quarter earnings call on April 29, LG Electronics made it clear that robotics is no longer limited to industrial use. The company is now pushing into home environments. CFO Kim Chang-tae said humanoid robot trials are expanding from factories into everyday living spaces. This shift signals a bigger ambition. LG is positioning robotics as a long-term platform business rather than a hardware play. Building Core Robot Components In-House At CES 2026, LG introduced its actuator brand “LG Actuator Axiom,” a key component that functions like joints in a robot. These actuators control movement and precision, making them one of the most critical parts of any robotic system. LG is combining motors, gear systems, and control software into a fully integrated production system. With experience producing over 45 million motors annually, the company is now layering advanced control software on top to boost performance. The strategy goes beyond internal use. LG plans to supply these components to other robotics manufacturers, opening up a new B2B market alongside its own robotics development. Partnering With NVIDIA for Robot AI Platforms LG is also stepping into the AI platform race. The company confirmed it is working with NVIDIA on robot foundation models, signaling a move toward AI-driven robotics ecosystems. This approach connects LG’s strengths across industries. Data from industrial automation and insights from home appliances can be combined to train smarter, more adaptable robots. The home environment is where LG sees a clear edge. Understanding living spaces, user habits, and connected devices gives the company a strong foundation to develop humanoid robots that actually work in real homes. AI Data Center Cooling Becomes a Key Growth Driver Alongside robotics, LG is scaling up its AI data center cooling business. Demand is rising quickly as AI workloads expand. According to LG, orders in this segment tripled last year compared to the previous year, even though the business is still in its early stages. The company is focusing on chillers and coolant distribution units while working toward certifications with global tech companies. It is also adding cooling management and power control software to deliver fully integrated solutions. LG had originally set a goal to reach 1 trillion won in chiller revenue by 2027. Now, it expects to hit that target earlier due to surging demand from AI infrastructure. Robotics and Cooling Linked by One Theme: AI Infrastructure LG’s strategy ties these two businesses together under a single idea. Both robotics and data center cooling are essential parts of the AI era. Robots act as physical platforms where AI interacts with the real world. Data center cooling keeps AI systems running efficiently behind the scenes. By combining hardware manufacturing, control systems, and software, LG is building a full-stack approach to AI infrastructure. Strong First-Quarter Performance Supports Expansion LG Electronics reported solid financial results for the first quarter. Revenue reached 23.7 trillion won, up 4.3 percent year over year. Operating profit climbed 32.9 percent to 1.67 trillion won. It marks the highest first-quarter revenue in the company’s history, giving LG more room to invest in its next wave of growth. by Ju-baek Shinㅣ[email protected]