History
2024: LIG Next1 bought Ghost Robotics for $240 million
In early August 2024, Korean aerospace and defense company LIG Nex1 acquired a controlling stake in Philadelphia-based Ghost Robotics, which develops cyberdogs and is considered a significant competitor to Boston Dynamics.
LIG Nex1 acquired a 60% stake in Ghost Robotics for $240 million, so the full price of the company was about $400 million. The companies plan to combine their knowledge and resources to further develop autonomous robotic solutions. In particular, already now Ghost Robotics will be able to use the defense technologies and production facilities of LIG Nex1 to scale the production of its Vision 60 and Spirit 40 cyberdogs.
Founded in 2015, Ghost Robotics is developing cyberdogs for out-of-town and cross-country running. Unlike Boston Dynamics, this company specializes in defense and security applications. So, the US Customs and Border Protection from 2022 uses the Ghost Robotics cyberdogs to patrol the border USA and. Mexico
LIG is Nex1 working on its own unmanned systems, including reconnaissance and strike drones, as well as developing exoskeletons to work with other protective equipment and sophisticated tools. The companies said they will now work together to develop robotic systems for both industrial and defense markets.
Business Korea reports that LIG Nex1 plans to launch a joint research center in Washington by the end of 2024, where new products for fire extinguishing, navigation and rescue teams will be developed. Gavin Kennelly, co-founder and CEO of Ghost Robotics, expressed confidence that LIG's investment will Nex1 help the company develop innovative robotic solutions for the widest range of industries.[1]