LG Chief Explores AI and Future Growth Engines in the US Visit
In a strategic move to examine and bolster future growth engines for LG Group, Chairman Koo Kwang-mo embarked on a significant journey to the United States. His visit, spanning four days from June 17, was a comprehensive tour from Tennessee to California’s Silicon Valley, with a focus on pivotal areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, biotechnology, and clean technology.
LG Group’s exploration into these sectors highlights a proactive approach to adapt and lead in the rapidly evolving global market. By delving into artificial intelligence and related technologies, LG aims to stay at the forefront of innovation, especially in fields that promise to reduce environmental impacts and offer sustainable solutions for the future.
Engagements and Insights across States
One of the key highlights of Koo’s US visit was his meetings with industry leaders and visits to various LG facilities. In Tennessee, Koo toured the manufacturing plant of LG Electronics, LG Chem, and Ultium Cells. Ultium Cells, a joint venture between LG Energy Solution and General Motors, caught particular attention as Koo reviewed the North American electric vehicle market and trends among significant customers.
Given the strategic importance of Tennessee as a “forward base” for LG’s North American market expansion, the visit underscored the potential for growth and collaboration in the electric vehicle sector. Tennessee’s favorable geographic location, bordered by eight states and its efficient transportation logistics, makes it an ideal site for LG’s cathode material plant. LG Chem’s plans to build the largest cathode material plant in the United States in this region highlight the company’s commitment to meeting the demands of global carmakers and contributing to the green mobility revolution.
Focusing on Innovation and AI
The Silicon Valley leg of the trip provided Koo with insights into startup investment and AI’s evolving role in shaping industries. Visiting LG’s startup investment hub, LG Technology Ventures, and the North America Innovation Center, discussions revolved around future readiness and strategies to foster innovation, particularly in AI.
LG Technology Ventures, playing a crucial role as a startup incubator, manages a fund worth approximately 719.7 million USD and has invested in over 80 startups. These investments are instrumental in propelling LG’s vision forward, especially in the fast-paced arena of AI and technology.
Notable was Koo’s engagement with Tenstorrent CEO Jim Keller, discussing AI semiconductor trends, and with Brett Adcock of Figure AI, gaining insights on humanoid robotics. Such interactions exemplify LG’s commitment to understanding and influencing the future trajectory of AI and technology.
Strengthening Competitiveness and Innovation
Chairman Koo Kwang-mo’s message to his teams emphasized facing challenges with confidence and striving for sustainable growth. By focusing on creating new opportunities, reinforcing product portfolios, enhancing supply chains, and encouraging innovation, LG aims to solidify its competitive edge in the global market.
The emphasis on AI, as reflected in Koo’s visits and discussions, underlines the conglomerate’s belief in AI as a transformative force across all industries. With initiatives like the LG AI Research Institute’s development of Exaone, a multimodal AI model, LG is indeed paving the way towards integrating AI into various facets of business and technology.
Commitment to Global Leadership
Koo Kw—I—mo’s annual visits to North America, a tradition since his office commencement in 2019, showcase LG’s dedication to global market leadership and innovation. Each visit, rich with strategic discussions and partnerships, highlights LG’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to adapting to global trends and technologies.
As LG continues to explore and invest in AI, biotechnology, robotics, and cleantech, the conglomerate sets a clear vision for its future—a future driven by innovation, sustainability, and global market leadership.
The journey of LG Group under Chairman Koo Kwang-mo’s leadership reflects a bold venture into new territories of technology and innovation, firmly positioning the conglomerate as a luminary in the global industrial landscape.
