Ghost Robotics' four-legged robot product / Coutesy of LIG Nex1

LIG Nex1 has acquired a controlling stake in Pennsylvania-based robotics developer Ghost Robotics.

According to the Korean defense company, Tuesday, it invested 332 billion won ($240 million) jointly with Korea Investment Private Equity in their U.S.-based acquisition-purpose firm LNGR to acquire a 60 percent stake in Ghost Robotics on July 26. The ownership ratio between the two Korean firms wasn't disclosed.

Founded in 2015 in Philadelphia, Ghost Robotics is considered to be one of the most advanced tech companies in quadruped walking robots.

Ghost Robotics says its flagship drone VISION 60 is agile and durable enough to be used in a broad range of unstructured urban and natural environments for defense, homeland and enterprise applications. It can also be operated in the water.

With a maximum battery span of 10 hours, the drone can also attach various equipments depending on purpose. Each part of the product is modular for easy repair or replacement when damaged.

“We are thrilled to partner with LIG Nex1 and embark on this exciting new chapter for Ghost Robotics,” said Gavin Kenneally, co-founder and CEO of Ghost Robotics.

“Their investment and strategic guidance will accelerate our growth and enhance our ability to deliver groundbreaking robotic solutions to a wider range of industries and applications.”

LIG Nex1 said the acquisition will contribute not only to Korea's recent defense effort in unmanned combat systems but also to various public safety management tasks, such as fire detection and search-and-rescue missons, as well as partly replacing guide dogs' service activities.

“The acquisition of a majority stake in Ghost Robotics aligns perfectly with our vision to lead the future of defense and security technology,” LIG Nex1 CEO Shin Ick-hyun said.

“We expect this acquisition will also serve as momentum for both companies to grow together based on our leading-edge technological capabilities and close cooperation.”