- Samsung has made a robotic rear for some testing purposes
- They used a robotic rear to test the durability of smartphones
- The device was used in 2014 and 2018
Back in the 2010s, Samsung used a robotic rear to investigate the durability of its smartphones. Yes, the technology company used a robotic device shaped like human glutes. They used it to apply pressure to the phones to see if they would sustain any damage.
Online reports say the devices were used in 2014 and 2018. Although we’re not sure if they are still used today. A 2023 Reddit post said the robot “exerts 220 pounds of pressure on their phones during testing”. Additionally, the robot “wears jeans” to make the testing more foolproof.
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Did Samsung really use a robot butt?
The Reddit post attached a photo of the jean-clad robot, and later, Samsung reportedly confirmed the use of the device. According to reports, the tests took place in the company’s headquarters in Suwon, South Korea.
This is nothing new at the Samsung Mobile Quality Test Lab, as phones undergo gruelling tests to see if they are durable. Think extreme temperatures, quality testing with dummies (and these days probably with AI), that kind of thing.
There is blog post evidence of the robot butt
From Samsung’s official Newsroom in 2014, there is a blog post about the test. In this test, the phone company shared a video (which has since been privated) of some of their phone testing for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4.
The text hints at testing the phone by placing it in a back pocket. In the back pocket of a butt robot, maybe?
The blog post said, “The back pockets on our pants are awesome. We know they are vulnerable to pickpockets and have a greater chance of spilling the contents every time we sit, but we can’t resist it. The back pocket is still home to many wallets, keys, phones, etc.
And apparently, our hips are strong – stronger than we give it credit for. Leaving things in your back pocket can lead to, well, bent things. Hence the question: what about my phone? Namely, the Galaxy Note 4″.
It continues, “Samsung makes and sells hundreds of millions of smart devices each year, and it’s very important that each and every one is in line with its strict quality control standards. So, to make sure you can rely on its devices, including the Galaxy Note 4, Samsung runs rigorous tests both during and after development and production. Check out the video below for some of the tests that Samsung runs to give you, and your back pocket, peace of mind.”
A picture of the device is visible
Furthermore, a blog post in 2018 titled Lab Tour explored the tests and features of the Samsung Lab. Under the subtitle ‘Durability Lab ‘ on the fourth slide, there is a photo of the robot, jeans visible.
Under the Durability Lab section, it says, “Many people own the same device for years, so a smartphone should be durable enough to withstand daily use. Galaxy smartphones are placed in a machine, which rolls the device around to simulate the impact of a phone tumbling downstairs from a lower height.”
The passage continues, “Durability is also tested with a series of repetitive actions, such as pressing the buttons, using the earphone jacks, and opening the SIM card tray. The team even measures how well a smartphone can withstand the load and pressure of a person sitting on their phone when it’s in their back pocket”.
So yes, Samsung did proudly use a robotic rear to test the strength of their phones. Weird, but quirky nonetheless.
