Let's Set EVs Aside for Now: 5 Reasons Korea's Battery Big 3 Are Pivoting to AI & Robotics at InterBattery 2026
LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On are making a full pivot to AI data center and humanoid robot batteries at 'InterBattery 2026' (March 11–13, COEX), moving past the EV slump. The robot battery market is forecast to grow from $2.9 billion in 2026 to $4.7 billion in 2030, at a CAGR of 12.5%.
Why you should read this now: Today is the day Korea's three battery giants officially declared AI and robotics as their exit from the EV loss spiral.
TL;DR
- LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On are all heading to InterBattery 2026 (March 11–13, COEX).
- All three companies posted operating losses in their battery divisions in Q4 2025, but are shifting their strategic axis toward AI and robotics.
- The robot battery market is expected to surge from $2.92 billion in 2026 to $4.67 billion in 2030 (CAGR 12.5%).
- Samsung SDI is leading with an exclusive solid-state battery partnership for Hyundai's Atlas humanoid robot; LG is putting the CLOiD home robot front and center.
- The government-backed K-Humanoid Alliance (₩1 trillion investment by 2030) ties all three companies together.
① The Facts: What Was Officially Announced Today
On the afternoon of March 2, LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On simultaneously published press releases announcing their participation in InterBattery 2026 (March 11–13, COEX).
- LG Energy Solution: Plans to showcase battery power supply for ① LG Electronics' home robot CLOiD, ② Bear Robotics' autonomous robot Carti100, ③ blood transport drones, and ④ CubeSats. Also set to unveil an emergency power solution for AI data centers and next-generation lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries — a world first.
- Samsung SDI: Officially announces an exclusive partnership to develop solid-state batteries for Hyundai Motor Group's humanoid robot 'Atlas', with a mass production target of H2 2027. AI high-output batteries will also be exhibited.
- SK On: Unveils Cell-to-Pack (CTP) technology, 1,000 Wh/L sulfide-based solid-state batteries, 7-minute ultra-fast charging (10%→80%), and high-energy-density LFP cells.
② Why It's Trending Right Now
The simultaneous announcement from all three companies dominated the top headlines across major economic and tech media outlets this afternoon, pushing 'InterBattery 2026' and 'K-Battery Robotics' into real-time search rankings.
The backdrop is clear: the cooling EV market. Samsung SDI recorded an operating loss of ₩33.8 billion in Q4 2025, LG Energy Solution ₩45.4 billion (excluding AMPC), and SK On ₩44.1 billion. All three cited sluggish demand from major automaker clients as the cause.
③ Context: The K-Humanoid Alliance
Backed by government support, the K-Humanoid Alliance has announced a ₩1 trillion investment plan through 2030. In addition to the three battery companies, AI semiconductor firms Rebellions and DeepX have also joined.
| Company | EV Share (2025) | Core Robot/AI Strategy | Key Partners |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG Energy Solution | ~65% | CLOiD, ESS, AI DC emergency power | LG Electronics, Bear Robotics |
| Samsung SDI | ~60% | Exclusive Atlas solid-state development | Hyundai Motor Group |
| SK On | ~70% | CTP, ultra-fast charging, robot pack | SK Enmove, multiple robotics firms |
④ Outlook: Growth of the Robot Battery Market
Industry experts forecast the robot battery market will grow from $2.92 billion in 2026 to $4.67 billion in 2030 (CAGR 12.5%) — far exceeding the projected CAGR of 5–7% for EV batteries.
Solid-state batteries are likely to find their first meaningful commercial application in the robotics market. In the shock- and vibration-heavy environment of robots, they are safer than liquid electrolytes and offer higher energy density for longer operation.
⑤ Secondary Issues & Derived Debates
- EV market recovery timeline: Samsung SDI's CEO previously forecast that EV demand weakness would persist through H1 2026, though a H2 rebound remains possible.
- Competition with Chinese batteries: CATL and BYD have already entered the robot battery market. If K-Battery fails to achieve technological differentiation, it could cede the robotics market to China just as it has struggled in EVs.
- Solid-state mass production risk: Samsung SDI's H2 2027 mass production target still faces significant technical hurdles. The market is watching closely for the gap between announcement and execution.
✅ Checklist
Reference Links
- Korea JoongAng Daily: LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On to unveil pivot at InterBattery amid EV slowdown
- Korea Times: InterBattery 2026 to become battlefield for courting robotics firms
- Biz Chosun: Korea's battery trio pivot at InterBattery 2026
- 이데일리: K배터리, 인터배터리 2026 출격…AI·로봇 신시장 정조준
- 뉴스스페이스: 한국 배터리 TOP3, 전고체 배터리로 EV 위기 돌파구