The Rise of All-Solid-State Batteries: A New Era for Robotics
The prototype of Samsung SDI’s all-solid-state battery / Courtesy of Samsung SDI
The Shift in Battery Technology
In recent years, the demand for batteries that can power advanced technologies has surged. Samsung SDI, a key player in the battery manufacturing sector, has announced plans to collaborate with various robotics companies to utilize its innovative all-solid-state batteries. Set for mass production in the coming year, these batteries promise enhanced safety and efficiency—attributes that are vital in the compact and high-tech field of robotics.
Park Jong-sun, the head of Samsung SDI’s battery strategic marketing office, highlighted the growing interest in all-solid-state batteries during a quarterly earnings call. He noted that advancements in physical artificial intelligence have catalyzed a rapid expansion in the robotics market, increasing the need for batteries that are not only space-efficient but also safe and powerful.
Speculations Surrounding Hyundai Motor’s Atlas Robot
One of the most intriguing potential applications of Samsung SDI’s all-solid-state batteries is in Hyundai Motor’s Atlas humanoid robot. Given the ongoing partnership between the two companies, analysts speculate that Samsung SDI could be the primary supplier for Atlas’s power needs. This speculation comes on the heels of recent news, including Samsung SDI’s ongoing development of all-solid-state batteries and a promising stock price surge following the unveiling of Atlas at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
DB Securities analyst Ahn Hoe-soo pointed out that if Samsung SDI successfully integrates its battery technology into Atlas, it could pave the way for broader applications in the robotics industry before making its introduction into the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
The Competitive Landscape
As Samsung SDI forges ahead, competitors are also making strides in the robotics sector. Both LG Energy Solution (LGES) and SK On are exploring opportunities in this rapidly evolving market, especially after experiencing challenges in the EV sector where they compete against lower-cost Chinese alternatives.
LGES, known for its collaboration with Tesla on the Optimus robot, reported that it supplies cylindrical batteries to six major robotics firms across Korea, the U.S., and China. The company plans to innovate further, with intentions to commercialize anode-less all-solid-state batteries specifically designed for humanoid robots by 2030.
Meanwhile, SK On has showcased its initiatives in the robotics field, highlighting its battery supply for Hyundai WIA’s logistics and parking robots, showcasing its versatility as it seeks to diversify its business portfolio. Kim Young-kwang, head of SK On’s financial management office, reiterated the company’s commitment to exploring various new markets, including applications in humanoid robotics.
Financial Landscape and Future Prospects
Despite facing significant operating losses—Samsung SDI reported a 338.5 billion won ($231 million) loss from its battery segment in the last quarter, while SK On faced a staggering 441.4 billion won loss—the companies remain optimistic about their future. Samsung SDI expressed confidence that it is well prepared to leverage emerging technologies to reverse the trend of losses.
The importance of all-solid-state batteries cannot be overstated; with their potential to reshape not only the robotics landscape but also the overall battery market, there is a palpable excitement about their future applications.
Conclusion: A New Frontier in Robotics
The foray into all-solid-state batteries marks a significant turning point in technological advancement, particularly for areas like robotics where safety, space, and efficiency are paramount. As companies like Samsung SDI, LG Energy Solution, and SK On continue to innovate and collaborate, the future looks bright for the integration of advanced battery technologies in the robotics sector.
The discussions surrounding these innovative batteries capture a moment of transformation, giving us a glimpse of a potentially revolutionary future in robotics. As these technologies take shape, the implications for industries and consumers alike are bound to be transformative.