South Korea Battery Makers Eye Robotics as EV Sales Drop

 

South Korea’s battery manufacturers are under increasing pressure as global electric vehicle sales continue to slow. Weak demand in major markets has forced companies to rethink their strategies, and robotics is now emerging as a promising alternative. While robot batteries remain a small segment compared to electric vehicles and energy storage systems, they offer higher value due to advanced performance requirements.

Robots rely on compact, lightweight batteries that deliver high energy density, fast charging, and long operating life. Humanoid robots, in particular, need stable power to support movement, onboard artificial intelligence, and continuous duty cycles. These needs make robot batteries more expensive and technically demanding than standard EV batteries.

LG Energy Solution has taken the lead in this transition. The company is already supplying cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells to multiple global robot manufacturers. These batteries are designed for service robots, autonomous mobile robots, and humanoid platforms that require powerful energy output in limited space. LG is also working closely with technology firms to finalize specifications and mass-production plans for next-generation robotic systems, positioning robotics as a strategic extension beyond the competitive EV market.

Samsung SDI is following a different approach by partnering with Hyundai Motor Group to develop batteries optimized specifically for robots. The collaboration focuses on improving output stability, durability, and flexible packaging. Hyundai Motor Group, which owns U.S. robotics company Boston Dynamics, brings advanced robotics expertise, allowing Samsung SDI to target high-performance robotic applications rather than mass-market products.

Analysts see robotics as an attractive middle ground for battery makers. Although production volumes are much smaller than electric vehicles, robot batteries can command higher average selling prices due to customization and performance requirements. Estimates suggest that robot batteries could sell for significantly more per kilowatt-hour than EV batteries by 2030, helping offset lower volumes.

Despite this potential, the robotics battery market remains limited in size. Forecasts indicate that total demand for robot batteries will be only a fraction of the EV and energy storage markets over the next several years. Because of this, robotics is unlikely to provide a quick financial turnaround for battery manufacturers already facing losses from weak EV sales.

Both LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI have recently reported operating losses as EV demand declined, particularly in the United States following reduced electric vehicle incentives. These challenges highlight why battery makers are urgently exploring new growth areas, even if the payoff will take time.

In the long run, robots are expected to become increasingly common in factories, hospitals, restaurants, and households. This gradual adoption could create stable, long-term demand for high-performance batteries, avoiding the sharp demand cycles seen in the EV market. For South Korea’s battery industry, robotics represents a strategic investment in the future rather than an immediate solution.