Samsung SDI is joining forces with South Korean automakers Hyundai Motor and Kia to develop specialized batteries for robots, addressing a critical gap in the growing robotics industry.
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding Monday at Hyundai Motor Group’s Uiwang Research Center, establishing a framework to combine Samsung’s battery expertise with Hyundai and Kia’s robotics technology.
The collaboration tackles a significant problem in robotics: most robots currently use batteries designed for power tools or light electric vehicles rather than purpose-built power solutions. These makeshift options often fail to meet the unique demands of service robots, which have limited installation space and require sustained performance.
Samsung SDI will focus on developing high-capacity materials to improve energy density while optimizing design for compact spaces. The battery maker indicated this approach should extend operating times and improve cost efficiency compared to current solutions.
Meanwhile, Hyundai and Kia’s Robotics LAB will evaluate the new batteries’ performance, testing maximum charge and discharge capabilities, usage duration, and overall lifespan.
Hans Cho, executive vice president at Samsung SDI, cited the partnership as an expansion of the company’s relationship with the automakers into the robot market, promising “differentiated technologies” for robot power systems.
Hyundai and Kia’s robotics chief, Hyun Dong-jin, highlighted that the partnership aims to enhance battery supply stability and achieve price competitiveness through scale, potentially accelerating development of robots that meet diverse consumer applications.
The agreement represents a strategic move in Korea’s technology sector, as companies position themselves in the growing market for advanced robotics solutions across industrial and consumer applications.
