Samsung has established a new research laboratory to focus on the creation of drones, robotics, virtual reality and 3D printing, reports the Guardian.

The new research project, part of Samsung's mobile division, will concentrate on enhancing the work done by the company in regards to robotic vacuum cleaners and its Gear VR headset built in partnership with Facebook's Oculus Rift.

"Given the significance of the team, members will have more authority and independence because the main purpose of the team isn't to develop single devices for any imminent results, but to develop solutions to go with Samsung's manufacturing capabilities. The team will explore how technologies could help people's daily life for a better future," a Samsung spokesperson told the Korea Times.

The move puts into motion Samsung CEO Boo-Keun Yoon's plan to make everyday devices smart and Internet-connected.

The Internet of Things (IoT) was a big theme at the 2015 International CES in Las Vegas, the tech trade show where Yoon said that in 2017, about 90 percent of Samsung's products would be connected to the IoT. To prepare, Samsung needs to invest in developers and startups that can create relevant applications based on the data collected from the newly created devices.

Yoon said that it is his job to find the innovative companies and act to get their ideas to the widest possible market. "We have to strike partnerships everywhere," he said.

Yoon pledged $100 million in funding for IoT developers. The Samsung chief executive said 100 percent of Samsung's products would be Internet-connected and IoT capable within five years.

"Samsung's previous success was mostly due to releasing products that are competitive in pricing," Samsung said. "This is an old business formula. We need to constantly explore new ways to meet the needs of people through innovation and updated technologies."

Other tech companies are getting in the game as well. Last year, Google invested $522 million in virtual reality company Magic Leap to shape the future of visual computing and compete with Facebook's acquisition of Oculus Rift.

In April 2014, Google bought Titan Aerospace, a developer of solar-powered drones, and its division Google X announced in August 2014 that they are developing a system to deliver goods using drones.

Amazon requested FAA approval in July 2014 for commercial drone use to develop a similar service as Google.

Last year, a British Domino's Pizza franchise published a video that went viral showing a drone delivering pizza. The video, which sparked excitement about pizza delivery by drone, was a publicity stunt.

"We did not and are not testing drone delivery," a Domino's spokesman, Tim McIntyre, wrote to the New York Times in an email. "Given the fact that these things have spinning blades, could be stolen, shot at or batted like piñatas, we didn't think the idea would 'fly' here in the U.S."

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