Samsung just changed the AI game forever with bold acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies

Samsung Electronics has officially announced its acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies, a UK-based startup renowned for its innovative knowledge graph technology. Founded in 2017 by University of Oxford professors Ian Horrocks, Boris Motik, and Bernardo Cuenca Grau, Oxford Semantic Technologies has been a pioneer in the fields of knowledge representation and semantic reasoning. With its flagship AI engine, RDFox, the company has established robust partnerships across Europe and North America, particularly within finance, manufacturing, and e-commerce sectors.

Knowledge graphs represent information as an interconnected web, processing data in a way that mimics human cognitive abilities to understand, recall, and reason. This technology is crucial for creating more advanced, personalized AI solutions by improving how data is integrated and connected. Despite the complexity of its implementation, Oxford Semantic Technologies has successfully commercialized this technology, enhancing data processing and enabling sophisticated reasoning capabilities both in the cloud and on-device.

Samsung’s collaboration with Oxford Semantic Technologies dates back to 2018, including investments made by Samsung Ventures. This acquisition positions Samsung to significantly advance its core technology for personal knowledge graphs, which amalgamate scattered information across various services and apps. This integration promises a user experience that adapts and personalizes based on individual preferences and usage patterns.

The synergy of Oxford Semantic Technologies’ knowledge graph technology with Samsung’s on-device AI, such as that found in the Galaxy S24 series, will allow for hyper-personalized experiences while keeping sensitive data secure on users’ devices. This technology is expected to be implemented across a broad spectrum of Samsung products, including mobile devices, televisions, and home appliances.

Peter Crocker, CEO of Oxford Semantic Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “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 personalization. Developing RDFox with Samsung and being part of the larger group will enhance our offerings to all clients.”

Paul Kyungwhoon Cheun, Head of Samsung Research and CTO of Samsung Electronics, also highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition: “As global consumers increasingly demand more personalized AI experiences, acquiring Oxford Semantic Technologies will bolster Samsung’s capabilities in knowledge engineering. This is a crucial step in our ongoing commitment to delivering tailor-made AI experiences built upon our foundational technological innovation.”