Futronic
"완벽을 향한 노력 혁신의 선두주자"
South Korean automotive actuator maker founded in 1993, valued near $700M after Blackstone's 2026 majority investment to expand into humanoid robot actuators.
Futronic Co., Ltd. is a South Korean automotive components manufacturer headquartered in Haeundae-gu, Busan, founded in November 1993. The company designs and produces actuators, motors, and sensors for vehicle drivetrain and chassis systems, with a product line that includes transfer cases, electronic lockers (E-Locker), steering actuators, parking lock mechanisms, engine oil pumps (EOP), power transfer units (PTU), and EV charging infrastructure components. Its customer base consists of automakers and Tier 1 suppliers that integrate its actuator modules into four-wheel-drive and electrified drivetrain systems. In 1997 the company received certification as a technology-intensive small and medium enterprise from Korean authorities, and in 1998 it was registered as a venture company, both early markers of its focus on proprietary motor and gear-reduction technology.
In July 2026, private equity firm Blackstone agreed to acquire a majority stake in Futronic, with the transaction valuing the company at approximately 1 trillion Korean won (roughly $700-750 million). Following the deal, founder and CEO Ko Jin-ho, who also runs the affiliated company Autronic, retains a stake as the company's second-largest shareholder. The investment is intended to fund Futronic's expansion beyond its core automotive actuator business into actuators for humanoid robots, leveraging its existing expertise in integrating motors, reduction gears, and controllers into compact drive modules. Ko Jin-ho has publicly stated that he expects humanoid robot production volumes to eventually exceed automotive production by several to dozens of times within 10-15 years, and the company has indicated plans to unveil new robotics-oriented products at CES in January 2027.
Futronic operates from its Busan headquarters at 66-21 Bangsong-ro 513beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, and can be reached at +82-51-831-5060 or [email protected]. The company's stated management approach centers on ESG (environmental, social, governance) principles applied to its manufacturing operations. While specific employee headcount and annual revenue figures have not been publicly disclosed, the scale of the Blackstone transaction and the company's multi-decade track record supplying actuator systems to the automotive sector indicate an established mid-to-large manufacturing operation. Futronic's strategic pivot mirrors a broader trend among automotive Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers seeking to apply drivetrain and actuation expertise to the emerging humanoid robotics market, where precision actuators, harmonic or planetary reduction gears, and integrated motor-controller assemblies are core enabling components. The Blackstone partnership is expected to provide Futronic with access to a global network of portfolio companies and potential support toward a future public listing as it builds out its robotics actuator business alongside its established automotive operations.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
E-Locker Electronic Differential Actuator
Electronic locking-differential actuator developed by Futronic for automotive drivetrain systems, part of its Transfer Case / E-Locker / PTU actuator product line.
Contact Futronic
WEBSITE
https://www.futronic.co.krPHONE
+82-51-831-5060HEADQUARTERS
Korea, Republic of (South)
Company Facts
Founded
1993
Primary Role
Component Supplier
Company Size
-
Primary Region
Asia-Pacific
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 20 – 24, 2026
Your weekly robotics briefing: AGIBOT unveils four new robots at WAIC 2026, the NDAA bars Chinese humanoids from the U.S. military, SoftBank eyes Gravis Robotics for its Roze vehicle, and Anduril reveals its Thunder autonomous attack tiltrotor at Farnborough.
Blackstone Makes $676 Million Investment in Futronic, a Key Actuator Supplier
On July 20, Blackstone announced a significant investment in South Korea's Futronic, a company specializing in actuators and motion control, valuing the firm at approximately 1 trillion KRW (around $676 million). The exact investment amount was not disclosed. This move is notable as Blackstone, the world's largest alternative asset management firm with over $1.3 trillion in assets under management, typically does not invest directly in robotics component suppliers. The timing of Blackstone's investment is particularly interesting, coinciding with three other financing events and a product launch within three weeks. These events, which include developments in joint modules, micro-actuators, dexterous hands, and bionic drive structures, highlight the growing competition in the actuator segment of the robotics industry. Actuators and joint systems are becoming increasingly critical in the overall cost structure of robotic systems, with estimates suggesting they can account for over 50% of total costs. Looking ahead, Futronic, founded in 1993 and known for its precision actuators for major automotive OEMs, is positioned to play a significant role in the rapidly growing humanoid robotics and automation markets. Blackstone's investment reflects confidence in Futronic's advanced manufacturing capabilities and global client network, which may translate well into the robotics sector. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Actuators Robotics Motion Control Investment
Blackstone Makes Significant Investment in South Korean Robotics Supplier Futronic
Blackstone has announced its investment in Futronic, a South Korean supplier specializing in high-precision actuators for the automotive and industrial robotics sectors. The deal values Futronic at approximately 1 trillion won, equivalent to $676.04 million, as reported by sources familiar with the transaction. This investment is significant as it positions Blackstone, the world's largest alternative asset manager, to enhance Futronic's capabilities and market presence. Futronic's founder, Jin-ho Ko, will continue as chairman and CEO, collaborating with Blackstone to drive global growth and expand into new markets. Looking ahead, the partnership aims to strengthen Futronic's leadership in actuation and motion control solutions. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
All News
Blackstone to Invest in Futronic, a Korean Automotive Supplier Specializing in Actuators
Blackstone has announced its intention to invest in Futronic, a Korean company established in 1993. Futronic is known for its specialization in high-precision actuators, which are crucial components in both automotive and robotics applications. This investment is significant as it highlights the growing demand for advanced automotive components, particularly in the context of increasing automation in the automotive industry. Futronic's expertise in high-precision actuators positions it well to benefit from these trends. Looking ahead, industry stakeholders will be keen to observe how this investment influences Futronic's growth and its ability to innovate within the automotive and robotics sectors. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Acquisitions News Transportation blackstone Futronic industrial robotics
Blackstone Inc. to Invest in South Korean Robotics Supplier Futronic
Blackstone Inc. has reached an agreement to invest in Futronic, a South Korean company specializing in high-precision actuators for industrial robotics and automotive applications. This investment is significant as it highlights Blackstone's commitment to the robotics sector, particularly in enhancing the capabilities of industrial automation and automotive technologies through advanced actuator solutions. Looking ahead, industry stakeholders will be keen to observe how this investment impacts Futronic's growth and innovation in actuator technology. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
