Samsung Buys Analytics Startup With 5G In Mind

Samsung Electronics has announced that it has acquired Zhilabs to further enhance its 5G capabilities.

Zhilabs is known for its Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based network and service analytics, and that AI-based automation will enable Samsung to introduce new services in the 5G era, such as industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and connected cars. In addition, AI-based transformation can be used to analyze user traffic, classify application being used, and improve overall service quality.

“5G will enable unprecedented services attributed to the generation of exponential data traffic, for which automated and intelligent network analytics tools are vital,” Youngky Kim, president and head of networks business at Samsung Electronics, said in a press release. “The acquisition of Zhilabs will help Samsung meet these demands to assure each subscriber receives the best possible service.”

Zhilabs is now fully owned by Samsung, and will operate independently under its own management.

“5G technology will disrupt the communications landscape for the better, but it will only be successful if the quality of the networks transferring the information can be measured and improved to provide a best-in-class experience,” said Joan Raventós, CEO at Zhilabs. “We are delighted to be joining the Samsung Electronics family and adding a contribution with our software products and technology to the existing end-to-end solutions that the company offers its customers.”

The acquisition follows Sansung’s August announcement that it was spending $22 billion on advanced technologies as it seeks new avenues of growth, including artificial intelligence, 5G, technology for the automotive market and biopharmaceuticals.

Samsung didn’t break down how much money will go to which investment but did note it plans to invest a lot to expand its AI research abilities, increasing the number of AI researchers to 1,000. It also said it plans to invest heavily in biopharmaceuticals, reported Reuters. “Samsung has seen strong growth from both its contract manufacturing and biosimilar businesses. It will continue to invest heavily in the businesses, including developing and manufacturing biosimilars,” according to a company statement.