Hyundai Motor and Kia yesterday announced a new partnership with South Korean battery manufacturer Samsung SDI to develop high-performance batteries for robots.
The partners hope to increase energy density, output and usage time significantly by combining each company’s resources and technical expertise. The batteries will be optimized for robots and integrated into various service robots.
According to Hyundai, most robotics markets lack dedicated batteries, so they are forced to use units designed for power tools or light electric vehicles (LEVs).
Most Read on IEN:
Due to robots’ complex and irregular nature, space for battery installation is limited, and using smaller cells reduces output capacity. The collaboration will focus on developing a high-performance robot battery optimized for limited spaces while enhancing energy density to increase output and usage time.
The three companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this joint development at Hyundai Motor Group’s Uiwang Research Center in Korea.
Under the agreement, Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB will evaluate the application and performance enhancement of the newly developed battery for robots. The companies will assess maximum charge and discharge performance, usage time, and qualification life.
Samsung SDI will develop high-capacity materials to improve energy density and optimize design to enhance battery efficiency. This is expected to extend battery usage time and improve price competitiveness significantly. Both parties plan to work closely to establish this joint development as a model for innovation in robot-specific batteries.
Hyundai Motor and Kia will also engage in joint marketing with Samsung SDI to expand the robot market. They plan to showcase Hyundai Motor and Kia’s service robot ‘DAL-e’ and Mobile Robot ‘MobED’, at Samsung SDI’s exhibit at ‘InterBattery 2025,’ March 5–7, in Seoul.
Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB launched services using delivery robots, automatic electric vehicle charging robots, and advanced facial recognition technology at the ‘Factorial Seongsu’ building in Seoul last June. In November, they announced commercialization plans for the wearable robot ‘X-ble Shoulder’ after its unveiling, expanding their product line and leading the establishment of a ‘Robotics Total Solution.’
Click here to subscribe to our daily newsletter featuring breaking manufacturing industry news.