Samsung Acquires UK-Based Knowledge Graph Startup

Samsung is actively enhancing its AI capabilities for consumer devices. Earlier this year, the electronics giant announced the integration of its Galaxy AI and Google’s AI model Gemini into its products, including the Galaxy 24 smartphone and the latest versions of its foldable phones, Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6.

Acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies

On Thursday, Samsung announced the acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies, a UK-based knowledge graph startup, for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to bolster Samsung’s AI offerings with advanced knowledge graph technology. Founded in 2017 by professors Ian Horrocks, Boris Motik, and Bernardo Cuenca Grau from the University of Oxford, the startup developed RDFox, an AI reasoning engine deployable on edge devices.

Knowledge Graph Technology

Knowledge graphs use a graph structure to organize and represent data on real-world entities and their relationships. This technology enhances data processing and reasoning capabilities, leading to improved search results and recommendations. Companies like Google have utilized knowledge graphs to power search results, especially the knowledge panel.

Applications and Benefits

Oxford Semantic Technologies’ RDFox engine processes organizational data into machine-readable knowledge, enhancing user experiences through rules-based AI. Applications range from medical diagnoses and autonomous vehicle safety to detecting financial crimes and suggesting product configurations.

Integration with Samsung Products

Samsung plans to integrate the startup’s AI and personal knowledge graph engines into its products, ensuring a personalized user experience while maintaining on-device data security. This technology is expected to benefit not only mobile devices but also televisions and home appliances.

Collaborative History

Samsung has been an investor in Oxford Semantic Technologies via its venture arm and has collaborated on various projects since 2018. Oxford Science Enterprises is also an investor in the startup.

Statements from Leadership

Peter Crocker, CEO of Oxford Semantic Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating that the integration of Samsung’s user experience and data expertise with their advanced technology will offer Samsung’s customers more sophisticated personalization. He also noted that the collaboration would enhance the product, service, and support for all their clients.