TLDRs:
- Samsung SDI unveils solid-state batteries for humanoids and robots.
- Pouch cells designed to reduce weight while maintaining safety and power.
- Stronger energy storage could extend robot operating time significantly.
- Adoption of advanced batteries may boost robotics market by 2035.
South Korean battery manufacturer Samsung SDI is taking a major step into the robotics sector with its debut of a pouch-style all-solid-state battery designed for humanoid and other advanced robots.
The company will showcase the new technology at InterBattery 2026 in Seoul, marking its first public presentation of a battery aimed specifically at physical AI applications.
The move highlights Samsung SDI’s strategy to diversify beyond electric vehicles (EVs) and into emerging robotics and wearable markets. The pouch cells are engineered to be lighter than traditional battery forms while maintaining safety and delivering stable power output, a crucial factor for robots that perform complex physical tasks.
Diversifying Battery Technology for Broader Use
Previously, Samsung SDI had developed prismatic all-solid-state batteries primarily for electric vehicles, targeting an impressive energy density of 500 Wh/kg, nearly double the 270 Wh/kg typical of current mainstream batteries. To extend the technology’s applications, the company is experimenting with different form factors, including pouch-style cells.
The flexible design of these batteries makes them suitable not only for humanoids but also for drones, aviation platforms, and wearable devices. Lightweight yet safe, pouch cells help reduce the overall weight of devices while providing consistent energy output, a key requirement for robots that rely on efficient, uninterrupted power.
Energy Density Could Transform Humanoid Performance
Battery life remains one of the primary limitations for humanoid robots, which often house energy storage in their chest compartments. Currently, robots like Hyundai Motor Group’s Atlas model operate for three to four hours under low-intensity tasks and are capable of swapping batteries autonomously. With higher energy density and robust power output, future batteries could extend operational hours and allow robots to perform more demanding tasks.
Stronger and more efficient cells may also accelerate the adoption of humanoids in industrial environments. Companies such as BMW and Tesla have already begun using humanoid robots for manufacturing purposes, and advancements in battery technology could make large-scale deployments more feasible.
Robotics Market Expansion Ahead
The implications of Samsung SDI’s battery innovation are significant for both the robotics and AI sectors. As EV demand softens for Korean battery manufacturers, Samsung SDI, along with competitors like LG Energy Solution and SK On, are shifting focus toward robotics and AI-driven applications, where the potential for growth is substantial.
Industry projections suggest that enhanced energy storage could enable widespread humanoid adoption, with the total number of operational units potentially reaching 6.8 million by 2035. Partnerships, including Samsung SDI’s collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group, are expected to refine battery designs tailored specifically for robotic systems, further enhancing performance and reliability.
As the robotics industry continues to expand, Samsung SDI’s next-generation batteries could become a cornerstone technology, supporting the shift from proof-of-concept prototypes to fully operational humanoid and physical AI applications across multiple sectors.
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