Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation announced an agreement to partner with Samsung SDI to develop high-performance batteries specifically for robots, with the aim of increasing energy density, output and usage time significantly.
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The three companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this joint development at Hyundai Motor Group’s Uiwang Research Center. The event was attended by Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of Robotics LAB at Hyundai Motor and Kia, and Hans Cho, Executive Vice President and Head of Strategic Marketing Team at Samsung SDI.
The collaboration will combine Hyundai Motor, Kia and Samsung SDI’s resources and technical expertise to develop batteries optimized for robots and integrate them into various service robots.
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 (LEVs). Due to robots’ complex and irregular nature, space for battery installation is limited, and using smaller cells reduces output capacity.
To overcome this challenge, the collaboration focuses on developing a high-performance robot battery optimized for limited spaces while enhancing energy density to increase output and usage time.
Under the agreement, Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics LAB will evaluate the application and performance enhancement of the newly developed battery for robots. They will use their accumulated technical expertise to 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. They will demonstrate the robots to visitors and industry stakeholders, showcasing the growth potential of the robot battery market.
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.’
About Samsung SDI
Samsung SDI, headquartered in the Republic of Korea, is a world-leading battery and electronic material manufacturer redefining the worlds of electric vehicles, energy storage systems and IT devices. The company drives transformation and innovation to emerge as an energy and materials solution leader across the fields of e-mobility, energy solutions, as well as semiconductors and displays. The company commits to sourcing 100% renewable electricity across its entire global operations by 2050.
About Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.
