
Samsung SDI powers Hyundai Motor's AI robots, self-driving tech
Samsung SDI announced Monday that it would showcase new battery technologies for Hyundai Motor Group's robots and autonomous vehicles at the upcoming InterBattery 2025 expo in Seoul.
At its exhibition booth, the company will feature DAL-e, a service robot developed by Hyundai Motor and Kia, which runs on a battery pack powered by Samsung SDI's 21700 cylindrical cells — measuring 21 millimeters in diameter and 70 millimeters in length. The robot will engage with visitors and introduce Samsung SDI's battery technologies through live demonstrations.
Adjacent to DAL-e, Samsung SDI will display MobED, Hyundai and Kia's multi-purpose mobile platform for self-driving vehicles, which is also powered by its cylindrical cells. This platform features a flat, rectangular body with four independently controlled wheels, enabling stable and swift navigation across uneven surfaces.
"This marks the first time the leading battery maker and the auto giant have collaborated on a joint marketing initiative, following last month's agreement to develop batteries for robots," Samsung SDI stated.
Beyond its partnership with Hyundai Motor and Kia, Samsung SDI aims to highlight its technological expertise in future mobility by presenting ROii, a Level 4 autonomous shuttle developed by Autonomous A2Z, South Korea's self-driving startup.
Also on display will be the Audi Q6 e-tron Performance model, which is equipped with 180 premium prismatic batteries from Samsung SDI. Recently launched in Korea, this long-range EV offers a maximum driving range of 641 kilometers on a single charge.
Furthermore, Samsung SDI plans to unveil its next-generation 46mm cylindrical battery lineup, which significantly enhances energy density and power output compared to the 21700 cells. The new lineup consists of four variants: 4680, 4695, 46100, and 46120 — all sharing a 46mm diameter but differing in length (80mm, 95mm, 100mm, and 120mm, respectively) to accommodate the diverse needs of OEMs.
For the Uninterruptible Power Supply sector, essential for the stable operation of data centers, the company will showcase its new high-output batteries, which deliver over 40 percent increased output per rack compared to existing products. Samsung SDI aims to capture over 80 percent of the high-output UPS market with this innovation.
Additionally, the company will introduce its flagship Samsung Battery Box 1.5, designed for renewable energy storage systems. This product features an upgraded 'module-embedded direct injection' technology, which enhances safety and capacity while simplifying installation compared to previous versions.
Addressing the rapidly evolving EV market, Samsung SDI will introduce mid-range, mid-nickel cobalt manganese batteries and lithium iron phosphate batteries, marking a strategic expansion beyond its previous focus on high-end, high-nickel NCM batteries.
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