AI can talk the talk, but Samsung bets humanoid robots need OLED

Modern AI systems are easier to use than ever through voice. The experience is not perfect, but it is improving fast. Even so, you probably would not trust future AI humanoid robots to run on voice commands alone.

A decade from now, Korea’s top display makers believe physical screens will remain essential as human-machine interfaces for AI-powered robots. Samsung is already lining up potential clients.

Voice is supposed to remove friction from AI. In reality, recognition is not flawless, and context awareness is still evolving. No matter how smart humanoid robots become, they will need visual interfaces to relay information clearly and reliably.

At least that's the idea Samsung Display and its domestic rival LG Display share. And both companies see a major revenue opportunity here.

The humanoid robot market could reach 55 trillion won ($40 billion) by 2035. Both companies are betting big. Korean media reports that display adoption in humanoid robots across assistance, service, and home segments could climb as high as 80%.

To get ahead, Samsung Display and LG Display are now courting not only automakers expanding into robotics but also small and midsize robotics firms.

That focus was on full display at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, where Samsung Display built much of its booth around robotics. It demonstrated a range of OLED use cases across devices with different form factors.

LG Display is pursuing a similar strategy: lock in key display clients in the emerging humanoid robot market before the segment fully takes off. Time will reveal who becomes the humanoid robot industry's dominant display supplier.