Humanoid Robots and Lithium-Ion Batteries: Long-Term Commitment or Short-Term Convenience?

[Cengiz Özemli]

## Humanoid Robots and Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Future Collaboration in Industry

Since the end of 2024, humanoid robots and lithium-ion batteries, especially solid-state batteries, have frequently been mentioned together in industrial discussions. These developments mark the beginning of an era where both sectors intersect, pointing towards deeper collaborations in the future.

### Humanoid Robots' Perspective: Batteries are Critical but Not a Priority

For humanoid robots, batteries are a fundamental element for providing energy. However, the early stage of the market leads manufacturers to focus their priorities on integration and technological advancements. Bipedal humanoid robots typically have battery capacities under 1000 Wh due to body space and weight constraints, while the Tesla Optimus V2 offers approximately two hours of dynamic operation with 2.3 kWh. Another example, Unitree's H1 model, with an 864 Wh capacity, can operate for less than four hours in static mode.

Wheeled humanoid robots, on the other hand, with larger internal volume and lower movement power consumption, typically use batteries over 1500 Wh, providing more than six hours of operating time. High energy density NCM/NCA lithium-ion batteries are dominant, while cost-effective LFP batteries are preferred for simpler applications.

Two main approaches are being pursued to close the energy gap:

• Development of fast charging and battery swapping systems: Companies like Fourier Intelligence, Leju Robotics, and Apptronik use dual battery swapping systems for extended tasks.
• Advancements in high energy density technologies: SoftStone's Tianhe C1 model and XPENG's IRON robot are equipped with semi-solid and solid-state batteries, respectively.

However, these battery technology developments are not among the priority issues for the humanoid robot market. The priority is for robots to achieve practical use cases and improve their fundamental performance. Furthermore, due to rapid changes in robot architectures, it is unclear which battery technology will dominate.

### Lithium-Ion Battery Perspective: Humanoid Robots are a Future Opportunity, Current Scale is Small

From the perspective of battery manufacturers, humanoid robots are seen as a new growth area as demand for electric vehicles slows down. However, their current commercial impact is limited. In 2024, shipments of lithium batteries for robots amounted to approximately 5.2 GWh, accounting for less than 0.4% of global lithium-ion shipments.

In 2025, humanoid robot shipments are expected to exceed 10,000, which translates to a total demand of only 20 MWh. China-based Azure supplies batteries to Unitree's robots, while EVE Energy and Farasis Energy are engaged in strategic collaborations and pilot shipments; however, these volumes remain economically limited for large battery manufacturers.

Technically, humanoid robots are accelerating battery innovation. The requirements for high power output, high energy density, safety, and long cycle life are driving advancements in material and cell design. Farasis provides solid-state battery samples, while EVE offers high-performance solid-state battery solutions. XPENG's IRON model, equipped with solid-state batteries, also confirms the applicability of the technology.

### Concluding Assessment

For lithium-ion batteries and humanoid robots to create mutual value, collaborations need to deepen. On the demand side, it is essential for humanoid robots to transition from technology demonstrations to scaling real-world use cases. Operational data will clarify battery requirements and enable precise targeting of technology.

On the supply side, active participation of battery manufacturers in robot platform development processes is crucial. Designing application-ready battery systems in collaboration with OEMs and continuously improving performance-cost will help humanoid robots overcome power issues and open new market opportunities.

Currently, this mutual commitment is in its early stages, and rational planning with strategic investments is more significant than short-term excitement for both sectors.