This photo, taken Feb. 24, 2025 and provided by Samsung SDI Co., shows Cho Han-jae (R), executive vice president and head of strategic marketing team at the company, and Vice President Hyun Dong-jin of Robotics LAB at Hyundai and Kia posing for a photo after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on collaboration for the development of robot-specific batteries at Hyundai Motor Group’s research center in Uiwang, just south of Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 25 (Korea Bizwire) — Samsung SDI Co., South Korea’s second-biggest battery maker, said Tuesday it has signed an initial pact with Hyundai Motor Co. and its affiliate Kia Corp. to jointly develop robot-specific batteries.
Samsung SDI has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the two carmakers to develop high-performance batteries specifically for robots, with an aim to significantly increase energy density, output and usage time, the company said in a press release.
“Through this collaboration, we will introduce differentiated technologies and high-quality products in the robot battery market,” Samsung SDI Executive Vice President Cho Han-jae said in the release.
Currently, most sectors in the robotics industry lack dedicated batteries, so they are forced to use those designed for power tools or light electric vehicles, according to Samsung SDI.
To overcome this challenge, the companies plan to develop high-performance batteries optimized for limited spaces in robots.
Under the agreement, Samsung SDI will improve high-capacity materials to enhance energy density and optimize design to enhance battery efficiency, the release said.
Hyundai and Kia will evaluate the application of performance enhancement of newly developed batteries for robots, it said.
“By combining the advanced technology of the Robotics LAB (at Hyundai and Kia) with Samsung SDI’s battery technology, we anticipate accelerating the development of competitive robot products that meet diverse consumer needs,” Vice President Hyun Dong-jin at the Robotics LAB said.
(Yonhap)
