Samsung set to acquire AI start-up Oxford Semantic Technologies

SAMSUNG Electronics has signed an agreement to acquire Oxford Semantic Technologies - a UK start-up specialising in knowledge graph technology for artificial intelligence applications.  

Established in 2017 by three Oxford University professors - Ian Horrocks, Boris Motik and Bernardo Cuenca Grau - Oxford Semantic Technologies holds cutting-edge technological capabilities in the areas of knowledge representation and semantic reasoning.

With its AI-centric engine - RDFox - the company currently collaborates with organisations across Europe and North America involved in the finance, manufacturing and e-commerce sectors.

Samsung Electronics has been working with Oxford Semantic Technologies on various projects since 2018, including investment of Samsung Ventures.

With this acquisition, Samsung will secure advanced core engines for personal knowledge graphs. These graphs integrate information and context dispersed across various services and apps, crafting a user experience that is tailor-made by becoming increasingly familiar with users’ preferences and usage.

Combined with on-device AI technology, such as that on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, personal knowledge graph technology facilitates hyper-personalised user experiences while ensuring sensitive personal data remains secure on the device. It will be applicable across all of Samsung’s products, extending beyond just mobile devices to televisions and home appliances.

“By integrating Samsung’s expertise in user experience and data with our advanced knowledge graph and reasoning technology, we will provide Samsung’s customers with even more sophisticated personalisation," said Peter Crocker, CEO of Oxford Semantic Technologies.

"In addition, developing RDFox with Samsung, and being part of the larger group, will provide all of our clients with an even better product, service and support.”

Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, Head of Samsung Research and CTO of Samsung Electronics, added: “As global consumers realise their growing need for more personalised AI experiences, the acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies will further boost Samsung’s strong capabilities in knowledge engineering.

"This acquisition is another important step forward as we strive to deliver tailor-made AI experiences built upon our hallmark technological innovation."