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Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong (right) and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun are seen conversing while attending the Korea-Czech Business Forum at a hotel in Prague, Czech Republic, on the 20th (local time). (Photo = Yonhap News) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun have strengthened their "third-generation alliance" by joining forces in the robotics business.
Following their collaboration in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, they have now agreed to jointly develop dedicated batteries for robots, aiming to dominate the next-generation robotics market.
According to industry sources on Tuesday, Samsung SDI signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Motor and Kia on the 24th at Hyundai Motor Group's Uiwang Research Center in Gyeonggi Province for the joint development of robot-specific batteries. The key focus of this collaboration is to optimize battery design for robots while enhancing energy density, significantly improving both power output and battery life.
The two companies have set a joint goal of developing robot-optimized batteries by pooling their resources and technical expertise, with plans to integrate them into various service robots. Samsung SDI will work on increasing energy density by developing high-capacity materials and optimizing battery efficiency through design improvements. Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor and Kia’s Robotics Lab will evaluate the new battery’s application in robots and refine its performance.
Both Samsung and Hyundai Motor Group are aggressively expanding their presence in the robotics market, viewing it as a key future growth sector. At the end of last year, Samsung Electronics secured a majority stake in Rainbow Robotics to strengthen its competitiveness in robotics.
Hyundai Motor Group, after establishing an in-house Robotics Lab in 2018, acquired global robotics leader Boston Dynamics in 2021. With these strategic moves, the two companies are expected to expand their influence in the robotics industry.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
