South Korean defense company LIG Nex1 said Monday it has acquired a 60% stake in Philadelphia-based Ghost Robotics for $240 million.
This latest investment marks the South Korean company’s entry into the robotics sector, which can be combined with the company’s defense and security technologies.
Founded in 2015, Ghost Robotics is a robot manufacturer specializing in quadrupedal robots. Their flagship product, the Vision 60, is a medium-sized robot that can withstand harsh weather conditions and can be used in a wide range of urban and natural environments, including defense, homeland security, and enterprise applications. It can also move quickly underwater.
Ghost Robotics exports its products to various countries, including the US, Japan, and the UK, and is currently valued at around $400 million.
LIG Nex1 plans to open a collaboration center in Washington later this year to manage its robotics operations.
“The acquisition of a majority stake in Ghost Robotics is fully aligned with our vision to lead the future of defense and security technology,” said Shin Ik-hyun, CEO of LIG Nex1. “We hope this acquisition will serve as a driving force for our joint growth based on our two companies’ cutting-edge technological capabilities and close collaboration.”
Sarah Cheah [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]