Feb. 3 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s battery industry is accelerating efforts to enter the robot market, positioning next-generation power technologies as a key growth engine in what industry leaders describe as the emerging “AI physical era.”
Samsung SDI, SK On and LG Energy Solution are expanding cooperation with automakers and robotics firms, including Hyundai Motor Group and Tesla, as competition intensifies to develop high-performance batteries capable of powering humanoid and industrial robots.
At CES 2026 in Las Vegas last month, Hyundai Motor Group’s humanoid robot Atlas demonstrated its ability to move automotive parts, underscoring growing interest in robots that combine artificial intelligence with physical hardware to operate in real-world environments.
Industry sources said Tuesday that major battery makers view AI-driven robotics as a new growth opportunity as global demand for humanoid, industrial and logistics robots expands. Batteries are widely regarded as a critical component for the widespread adoption of such systems.
Samsung SDI last year signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Motor Group to jointly develop all-solid-state batteries for robots. The company is supplying cylindrical batteries for Hyundai’s MobED mobility robot platform and DAL-e Delivery robot, both showcased at CES 2026, as well as for Atlas, which is nearing commercialization.
“We are collaborating with Hyundai Motor Group in the robotics field,” a Samsung SDI official said. “We aim to deliver differentiated technology and the highest-quality batteries in the future robot battery market.”
SK On is also advancing its robot battery business through cooperation with Hyundai Wia, which operates in industrial robots and automation equipment. SK On is currently supplying batteries for unmanned transport vehicles such as logistics and parking robots developed by Hyundai Wia, according to company officials.
“We are also in discussions with several leading companies in other sectors, including multipurpose unmanned vehicles, electric ships and urban air mobility, for additional supply agreements,” an SK On official said.
LG Energy Solution is developing batteries for Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus, which is currently under development for future commercialization. The company is also supplying batteries to more than five robotics firms.
“We are currently supplying batteries to six robot developers,” an LG Energy Solution official said. “In 2024, we signed an agreement with Bear Robotics, a Silicon Valley-based robotics company, and have been supplying cylindrical 2170 battery cells since then.”
The official added that LG Energy Solution plans to deepen cooperation with customers that have strong market potential as the robotics sector enters its early growth stage.
Industry analysts said demand for robot batteries is expected to rise as global technology and automotive companies expand investment in humanoid and industrial robots. Robots equipped with artificial intelligence require continuous operation of high-performance processors and sensors, making battery reliability and endurance a key competitive factor.
“Compared with electric vehicle batteries, robot batteries require a higher level of technological sophistication,” one industry insider said. “They must withstand repeated charging cycles, frequent posture changes and external shocks. Companies that secure this edge will dominate the market.”
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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