Samsung Acquires Oxford Semantic Technologies to Boost AI Capabilities
Samsung Electronics announced the acquisition of Oxford Semantic Technologies, a UK-based startup specializing in knowledge graph technology. This strategic move aims to enhance Samsung’s on-device AI capabilities and deliver more personalized user experiences.
Established in 2017 by Oxford University professors Ian Horrocks, Boris Motik, and Bernardo Cuenca Grau, Oxford Semantic Technologies brings expertise in knowledge representation and semantic reasoning to Samsung. Their AI-centric engine, RDFox®, is already used by organizations in sectors like finance, manufacturing, and e-commerce across Europe and North America.
Knowledge graph technology organizes information as an interconnected web, similar to human cognition. By connecting data, this makes it easier to understand how people use products or services, enabling rapid information retrieval and recommendations. It’s considered a key technology for advanced, personalized AI solutions.
Implementing knowledge graph technology is challenging because of the complex computations needed to convert dynamic data into usable knowledge graphs. However, Oxford Semantic Technologies has developed a successful commercialized technology optimizing data processing for advanced reasoning, both in the cloud and on-device.
Samsung has collaborated with Oxford Semantic Technologies on various projects since 2018, including an investment through Samsung Ventures. This acquisition will give Samsung access to advanced core engines for personal knowledge graphs. These graphs integrate information and context from various services and apps, resulting in a user experience that adapts to user preferences.
When combined with on-device AI, like that found in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, this technology offers hyper-personalized experiences while keeping sensitive data secure on the device. This technology will be extended to all of Samsung’s products, including televisions and home appliances.
“We are delighted to be working with Samsung,” said Peter Crocker, CEO of Oxford Semantic Technologies. “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 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 realize their growing need for more personalized 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.”
About Oxford Semantic Technologies Ltd.
Oxford Semantic Technologies is a spin-out from the University of Oxford, founded by leading academics in the field of knowledge representation and reasoning. Their software, RDFox®, helps companies integrate diverse datasets and apply reasoning. Use cases include recommendation engines, product configurators, integration of maps for autonomous vehicles, and anomaly detection in financial transactions.
For more information, please visit www.oxfordsemantic.tech.
