“I came to see the solid-state battery that’s supposed to go into a humanoid robot, but there are so many people the line is long.”
South Korea’s largest battery exhibition, InterBattery 2026, opened on March 11 with companies competing to showcase solid-state battery technology. With expectations rising for next-generation demand such as humanoid robots, crowds gathered around the displays.
South Korea’s three major battery makers are seeking a rebound from a temporary demand slowdown by highlighting next-generation technology, aiming to secure future customers and regain initiative in a global market led by China.
Samsung SDI unveiled a pouch-type solid-state battery sample for “physical AI,” drawing reactions from visitors surprised to see a sample already on display. The company said it aims to mass-produce the battery in the second half of next year for use in applications including robots and aviation systems.
Choi Go-ul, a Samsung SDI group leader, told reporters that the pouch-type solid-state battery unveiled that day is scheduled to be mass-produced in 2027 and used in humanoid robots.
LG Energy Solution also displayed a solid-state battery cell intended for humanoid robots, citing advantages such as higher energy density and faster charging beyond the limits of lithium-ion batteries.
In robotics, an autonomous driving robot called Carti100 drew attention. The exhibit highlighted that cylindrical batteries can deliver output and durability suited to harsh industrial sites.
At SK On’s booth, visitors clustered around a display of its sulfide-based solid-state battery. The company also exhibited a Hyundai Wia logistics robot AMR equipped with a high-nickel ternary battery. The robot is used for logistics automation at industrial sites including Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, known as HMGMA.
Nam Sang-cheol, head of the cathode materials research center at battery materials maker Posco Future M, said at the event that the company is working with U.S. battery startup Factorial to develop batteries for drones and humanoid robots. He said the commercialization target is 2028 and that Posco Future M’s cathode materials are expected to be adopted by multiple customers.
Nam said the company is also developing solid-state batteries and is supplying materials at the pilot stage in quantities ranging from tens to hundreds of kilograms. He added that it has completed development of a technology applying a nano-scale thin coating to cathode surfaces and has secured related patents.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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