[News] Samsung SDI, Hyundai, and Kia Join Forces to Advance Robot Battery Technology

According to a report from Business Korea, Samsung SDI announced on the 25th that it has entered into a partnership with Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation to develop advanced batteries tailored for robotic applications.

As highlighted in the report, the companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly enhance battery technology for robots, focusing on significantly improving energy density, output power, and operational efficiency.

Its press release indicates that Samsung SDI will focus on improving high-capacity materials to increase energy density and optimizing battery design, while Hyundai Motor and Kia will assess the performance of the newly developed batteries in robotic applications.

Vice President and Head of Robotics LAB at Hyundai Motor and Kia, Hyun Dong-jin, states that by integrating the advanced technology of the Robotics LAB with Samsung SDI’s battery expertise, they aim to accelerate the development of competitive robot products that cater to diverse consumer needs.

The Role of Solid-State Batteries in Advancing Robotics

To ensure humanoid robots operate more efficiently, safely, and for extended periods, battery technology has become a crucial factor, as the report highlights.

The report further points out that the robotics industry currently lacks dedicated batteries and often relies on power sources originally designed for power tools or lightweight electric vehicles, which restricts the potential for performance enhancements in robots.

According to TrendForce, among various battery technologies, solid-state batteries have emerged as an ideal power source for humanoid robots due to their superior energy density and enhanced safety. Compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries offer longer battery life, meeting the power demands of robots’ complex mechanical and electronic systems.

TrendForce points out that with the adoption of solid-state electrolytes, battery space utilization is significantly improved, and its energy density is two to three times that of lithium batteries. Additionally, solid-state batteries are more resistant to leakage or short circuits, providing greater assurance for stable robot operations and user safety.

The adoption of solid-state batteries in robotics is increasing. For example, GAC Group‘s third-generation humanoid robot, GoMate, is powered by an all-solid-state battery, enabling a battery life of up to six hours while achieving over 80% greater energy efficiency than similar products.

Solid-state battery technology is also seeing widespread applications in various sectors. For instance, Narada has been actively advancing the industrialization of solid-state batteries, working closely with customers to drive applications in drones, robotics, low-altitude aircraft, and consumer electronics. Similarly, Dare Automotive is also developing solid-state batteries for commercial applications across multiple industries, including electric vehicles, wearable devices, drones, and daily consumer products.

Read more

• Humanoid Robots to Become the Next US-China Battleground, with Price Differentiation and Tiered Applications as Emerging Trends, Says TrendForce
• [News] Samsung Speeds up Humanoid Development to Offset Business Headwinds, Challenging Tech Giants
• China and South Korea Tailgating in Commercialization behind Japan’s Subsidy of Over US$660 Million for All-Solid-State Batteries in 2024, Says TrendForce

(Photo credit: Samsung)