Hyundai, Kia, and Samsung SDI Partner to Develop Advanced Robot Batteries
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation have officially announced a strategic partnership with Samsung SDI to develop high-performance batteries specifically designed for robots. This collaboration aims to significantly enhance the energy density, output, and overall usage time of robotic batteries, addressing a crucial challenge in the rapidly growing robotics sector.
The three industry leaders solidified their commitment to this joint development initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Hyundai Motor Group’s Uiwang Research Center. The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from each company, including Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of Robotics LAB at Hyundai Motor and Kia, and Hans Cho, Executive Vice President and Head of the Strategic Marketing Team at Samsung SDI. The collaboration is set to leverage Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Samsung SDI’s collective resources, technical expertise, and research capabilities to create batteries that are optimized for robotic applications. This innovation is expected to set a new standard in the industry and further accelerate advancements in robotic technology.
Currently, most robotic applications in various industries do not have access to batteries specifically designed for their unique power requirements. Instead, they rely on battery solutions originally developed for power tools or light electric vehicles (LEVs). These existing battery technologies are often inadequate for robots due to the distinct and complex power demands associated with their operations. Additionally, robots typically have irregular shapes and constrained spaces for battery installation, making it difficult to incorporate conventional power sources without compromising their efficiency or functionality.
A primary objective of the Hyundai-Kia-Samsung SDI partnership is to overcome these limitations by developing a dedicated high-performance robot battery that can fit within restricted spaces while simultaneously improving energy density. This will allow robots to operate for extended periods without compromising their performance. The newly developed batteries are expected to enhance the output capacity of robots, thereby increasing their overall operational efficiency and reliability.
Under this agreement, Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB will play a central role in evaluating the application and performance enhancements of these specialized robot batteries. The Robotics LAB will leverage its extensive knowledge and technical expertise to assess several critical factors, including maximum charge and discharge performance, overall usage time, and long-term qualification life. By conducting rigorous testing and performance assessments, Hyundai Motor and Kia aim to ensure that the new batteries not only meet but exceed industry standards for robotic applications.
Samsung SDI, on the other hand, will take the lead in the development of high-capacity materials aimed at improving energy density while optimizing battery design to enhance overall efficiency. These improvements are expected to significantly extend battery usage time, making robotic applications more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run. Furthermore, Samsung SDI will focus on optimizing battery manufacturing processes to improve price competitiveness, ensuring that these advanced robotic batteries are accessible to a broad range of industries.
Beyond the technical aspects, Hyundai Motor and Kia plan to collaborate with Samsung SDI on joint marketing initiatives to expand the market for robot-specific batteries. By working together, the companies aim to increase awareness and drive adoption of these advanced energy solutions across various industries. One of the major initiatives in this regard will be the participation in InterBattery 2025, a prominent battery industry exhibition scheduled to take place from March 5 to 7 in Seoul, South Korea. During this event, Hyundai Motor and Kia will showcase their latest service robots, including ‘DAL-e’ and the Mobile Robot ‘MobED,’ at the Samsung SDI exhibit.
DAL-e, Hyundai’s artificial intelligence-powered customer service robot, has been designed to interact with people in retail environments, providing assistance and guiding customers through various services. MobED, on the other hand, is a Mobile Eccentric Droid that offers a highly adaptable platform for mobility-based applications. By featuring these advanced robotic systems at the exhibition, Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Samsung SDI aim to demonstrate the significant potential of high-performance robot batteries and their role in shaping the future of automation.
Hyundai Motor and Kia have been at the forefront of robotic innovation, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance automation and efficiency across various industries. The Robotics LAB, established to spearhead the companies’ advancements in robotics, has already introduced a range of groundbreaking applications. Last June, the Robotics LAB launched service robots capable of performing delivery tasks, automatically charging electric vehicles, and utilizing advanced facial recognition technology to enhance security and accessibility. These innovations were deployed at the ‘Factorial Seongsu’ building in Seoul, offering a glimpse into the future of smart automation solutions.
In November, Hyundai Motor and Kia further expanded their robotics portfolio by unveiling the wearable robot ‘X-ble Shoulder.’ Designed to assist workers by reducing strain on their shoulders, this wearable robot aims to improve workplace ergonomics and reduce fatigue-related injuries. The companies also announced their commercialization plans for this product, signaling their commitment to bringing practical and effective robotic solutions to market. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to establish a comprehensive ‘Robotics Total Solution,’ integrating robotics into various aspects of daily life and industrial applications.
By partnering with Samsung SDI, Hyundai Motor and Kia are taking another significant step toward the advancement of robotics technology. This collaboration is expected to not only improve the efficiency and performance of robots but also drive further innovation in battery technology. The development of dedicated robot batteries is likely to open new possibilities for robotics across multiple industries, including logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and service sectors.
As robots become increasingly integrated into everyday operations, the need for efficient, high-performance batteries will continue to grow. The success of this collaboration could pave the way for new standards in robot battery development, setting a benchmark for energy solutions tailored specifically to the unique demands of robotic applications. Moreover, the enhanced energy efficiency and extended operational time provided by these batteries will contribute to greater sustainability in the robotics industry, reducing the frequency of battery replacements and minimizing electronic waste.
Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Samsung SDI’s joint effort reflects a shared vision of advancing the future of robotics by addressing one of its most critical challenges—power efficiency. By combining their respective strengths, the companies aim to deliver a breakthrough in robot battery technology, ultimately shaping the next generation of intelligent automation solutions.
With the rapid evolution of robotics and automation, this partnership arrives at a pivotal time when industries worldwide are increasingly seeking reliable and efficient energy solutions. As Hyundai Motor, Kia, and Samsung SDI continue to push the boundaries of innovation, the development of high-performance robot batteries represents a significant milestone in the journey toward a more advanced and automated future.
