LG Electronics on the Verge of Winning Robot Component Orders from Big Tech—Why It Remains Confident Despite China’s Offensive? [IFA 2026]

【Berlin, Germany—Reporter Im Subin】LG Electronics has identified actuators—the joints of robots—as a next-generation growth engine and is reportedly on the verge of winning orders from global big-tech companies. Based on 60 years of accumulated motor technology, the company is securing advantages in efficiency, weight, and cost. It is also accelerating preparations for mass production by building a fully automated actuator production line at its Changwon facility. 
In its existing appliance business, LG Electronics plans to build the strength needed to withstand the fierce offensive from Chinese manufacturers by reinforcing core components and cost competitiveness. At the same time, it aims to diversify its growth engines by expanding into business-to-business (B2B) areas, including built-in appliances and commercial laundry appliances. ■ Expanding a new robot-component business from appliancesSeungtae Baek, executive vice president and head of LG Electronics’ Home Appliance Solution (HS) Business Division, said at a press briefing for IFA 2026 in Berlin, Germany, on September 5 local time that the company was “currently pursuing orders from several big-tech companies” for actuators. He emphasized, “I want to share the news that we have won an order as soon as possible.” 
An actuator consists of components such as a motor, reducer, and driver, and serves as a key component that functions as a robot joint. Because the market has not yet established standard specifications, technological capabilities tailored to the requirements of each humanoid manufacturer are crucial. While German and Japanese companies have taken the lead in the market, LG Electronics is seeking to capture market share with its proprietary brand, LG Actuator AXIUM, which incorporates motor technology accumulated through its appliance business.
“LG Electronics has been making motors, one of the key components of actuators, for 60 years,” Baek said. “Our competitiveness lies in our ability to make motors more than 30% lighter than those of our competitors.” He also cited high efficiency, light weight, and cost competitiveness as the actuator’s key advantages. LG Electronics plans to secure reducer technology, which it has not yet fully acquired, through a combination of in-house development and external sourcing. 
LG Electronics aims to turn actuators into a flagship component for external sales, much like the compressors it produces and sells itself. “They say actuators account for 60% of the material costs when building a robot,” Baek said. “We aim to achieve revenue within one to two years at the level of our current external compressor sales.” 
The actuator business is also connected to LG Electronics’ broader robot business. Baek forecast that demand for physical AI, including humanoid robots, would rise sharply starting in 2030. LG Electronics plans to deploy humanoids at industrial sites, including its Tennessee plant in the United States and the Changwon smart factory. It will later expand their use into homes after securing safety and other requirements. ■ “We have the strength to respond to China’s offensive”In its existing appliance business, LG Electronics is strengthening its competitiveness against the fierce offensive from Chinese manufacturers. Regarding their low-price offensive, Baek expressed confidence, saying, “We have become stronger and better able to withstand it than before.” He added, “We are building competitiveness through flexible adjustments and responses across 12 production sites in 10 countries worldwide. Our ability to respond adequately is continuing to improve.” He particularly identified quality, service, and ease of operation as key factors that would differentiate LG Electronics’ customer experience from that of Chinese manufacturers. 
While responding to competition from Chinese manufacturers, LG Electronics is also diversifying its revenue sources by expanding B2B businesses such as built-in appliances and commercial laundry appliances. Revenue in each of these businesses has grown by an annual average of more than 40% over the past three years. In particular, LG Electronics plans to expand the business capabilities it has secured in North America and other markets into Europe, where B2B demand is high. This year, it plans to more than double its sales staff specializing in European builders and strengthen its local sales, installation, and delivery capabilities. 
[email protected] Reporter Im Subin Reporter