Samsung SDI eyes robotics partnerships with solid-state batteries

Samsung SDI is exploring partnerships with robotics companies to develop batteries for humanoid robots, with mass production of its all-solid-state batteries expected next year.

The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Motor and Kia to jointly develop batteries for robotic applications.

Despite a quarterly battery business loss of 338.5 billion won (US$231 million), Samsung SDI remains optimistic about future growth, citing potential demand in robotics and emerging markets.

Analysts see Samsung SDI as a leading candidate to supply batteries for Hyundai’s Atlas humanoid robot, showcased at CES 2026.

🔗 Source: The Korea Times

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

The humanoid robot battery market remains too small to matter for big suppliers

Global demand for robot batteries across industrial, service, plus humanoid uses totaled about 10 GWh in 2024. One fresh production line at CATL or EVE Energy could cover that output 1.
Humanoid-only sales were smaller at $562 million in 2024 2.
Margins look limited because the battery makes up about 3% of a humanoid robots cost. In an electric vehicle, the pack can reach 40% 1.
Even upbeat estimates put lithium battery demand for humanoids near 1 GWh over the next five years, assuming 1 kWh per robot. That keeps most deals focused on future upside over near-term revenue 1.

Humanoid robots are becoming a low-volume proving ground for next-generation batteries

Some suppliers are not chasing scale here. Robotics can serve as a small-run proving ground for all-solid-state batteries, which Samsung SDI expects to mass-produce next year.
These robots need light packs with high energy density. Progress here can later carry into higher-volume EV plus energy storage lines 1.
Samsung SDI signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Motor plus Kia to develop batteries built for robotic applications 3.
Standard sizes still do not exist in robot batteries, so shapes vary and housings often need custom compartments. Joint work could ease that over time 1.