Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
SK On's Solid-State Batteries Could Enable 8-Hour Robot Operation Despite Cost Increase
SK On has announced that solid-state batteries can allow industrial robots to operate for up to 8 hours, addressing a significant limitation of current lithium-ion batteries, which typically provide only 1 to 2 hours of runtime. This advancement could reduce downtime in 24-hour production lines, where frequent battery changes are necessary. However, the cost implications are substantial. Currently, lithium-ion batteries account for less than 2% of the total cost of industrial robots, but switching to solid-state batteries could increase this to approximately 8%, resulting in a fourfold rise in overall costs. For instance, Tesla's Optimus robot has a battery cost of about $300, which is only 0.5% of its total hardware cost. SK On has developed a total cost of ownership (TCO) model that factors in the costs of spare batteries, charging downtime, and additional backup machines, suggesting that solid-state batteries may be more economical in the long run for continuous operation scenarios. The company has completed a solid-state battery pilot plant in Daejeon, South Korea, and plans to commercialize two battery technologies by 2028 and 2029, respectively. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Solid-State Batteries Industrial Robots Battery Technology Cost Efficiency
Factorial Energy and Tulip Tech Achieve 30% Flight Range Increase with Solid-State Batteries
Factorial Energy, based in Boston, and Tulip Tech from the Netherlands have transitioned from flight testing to the commercialization of lithium-metal UAV battery packs. Announced on July 13, 2026, their strategic partnership aims to expedite the deployment of solid-state and lithium-metal batteries for advanced drones, with initial tests showing over a 30% increase in flight range without engineering optimizations. This collaboration is significant as it addresses the growing demand for high-endurance UAVs across commercial, industrial, and defense sectors, with the global UAV market projected to exceed $160 billion by 2034. Factorial emphasizes that energy storage is a critical bottleneck affecting mission radius, payload, and fleet economics, making their advancements crucial for future drone capabilities. Looking ahead, the partnership establishes a framework for joint customer engagement and a roadmap for volume production. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication, but the companies are moving swiftly from testing to commercialization, indicating a strong potential for future developments in UAV battery technology.
battery technology Drone News Drone News Feeds drone parts News $160 billion UAV market
Solid State Automation and Controls Cuts Motor Control Center Delivery Time by 50 Weeks
Solid State Automation and Controls (SSAC) faced a significant challenge when a customer required a Motor Control Center (MCC) for a new facility, with a traditional lead time of 14 months. The facility needed to be operational in just eight months, prompting SSAC to innovate a solution. They designed the custom Motor Control Complex, MC-PLEX, in collaboration with Rittal, successfully delivering it in 22 weeks, thus saving 50 weeks compared to the standard timeline. This achievement is crucial as it highlights SSAC's ability to adapt and meet urgent customer needs in the building materials and logistics industry. By leveraging a modular enclosure and busbar platform, SSAC not only fulfilled the immediate requirement but also laid the groundwork for a more efficient and flexible product line. The company’s commitment to customer trust through expertise and accountability was pivotal in overcoming the traditional limitations of MCC delivery. Looking ahead, SSAC's innovative approach to the MCC design and delivery process may set a new standard in the industry. Their collaboration with Rittal and the use of advanced design tools like Eplan could lead to further enhancements in efficiency and flexibility for future projects. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Factory / Digital Transformation
Chinese car maker GAC to use humanoid robots powered by solid-state batteries
Chinese automaker GAC has unveiled plans to trial humanoid robots in its car factories, aiming to enhance production efficiency. The announcement was made on Thursday, with the company set to begin producing components for these robots in-house at scale starting next year. This initiative is part of GAC's broader strategy to facilitate small-scale production of the robots for internal use by 2026. The latest version of the GoMate robot was showcased during the announcement, highlighting GAC's commitment to integrating advanced technology into its manufacturing processes.
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Chinese startup releases solid-state lithium-metal batteries for flying cars
Chinese battery startup Inx has unveiled a groundbreaking solid-state lithium-metal battery that boasts an impressive energy density of 480 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). This innovative battery technology is being positioned for potential use in electric aircraft. Inx has also secured a supply agreement with EHang, a prominent Chinese drone manufacturer, to integrate this advanced battery into their products. The collaboration aims to enhance the performance and efficiency of electric flying vehicles, signaling a significant advancement in the aviation and drone sectors. This development comes at a time when the demand for sustainable and efficient energy solutions in transportation is rapidly increasing, driven by the need for greener alternatives in the face of climate change.
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Town & Country Living Engages JLL for Logistics Network Analysis and Consolidation
Town & Country Living has partnered with JLL to analyze its logistics network in an effort to reduce inefficiencies within its fragmented distribution system. This comprehensive analysis aims to identify potential opportunities for consolidating operations, which could lead to improved efficiency and cost savings. The collaboration with JLL is significant as it highlights the importance of optimizing supply chain strategies in today's competitive market. By addressing inefficiencies in its logistics network, Town & Country Living can enhance its operational performance and better meet customer demands, ultimately strengthening its market position. Looking ahead, stakeholders will be keen to see the outcomes of this analysis and the specific strategies that will be implemented as a result. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
SpaceX Unveils AI1 Satellite Specs for Starmind Constellation with Key Thermal Challenges
SpaceX has introduced the AI1 satellite, the inaugural component of its Starmind constellation, which stands 20 meters tall and has a wingspan of 70 meters. This orbital compute node is designed to deliver computing power equivalent to one NVIDIA GB300 server rack, utilizing a unique cooling system with deployable liquid radiators. The satellite's specifications were revealed during a presentation on June 8, 2026, ahead of SpaceX's IPO. The significance of the AI1 satellite lies in its role as a compute platform rather than a traditional satellite, focusing on running AI inference workloads. The satellite's cooling system, which is critical for its operation in the vacuum of space, is designed to reject heat through infrared radiation. However, independent engineers have raised concerns about the feasibility of the thermal and mass claims made by SpaceX, suggesting that the cooling requirements may exceed practical limits. Looking ahead, SpaceX plans to launch two AI1 prototypes in early 2027, with full-scale production expected to commence later that year at its Gigasat facility in Bastrop, Texas. The ongoing debate regarding the satellite's thermal management capabilities will be crucial to monitor as the project progresses, with no further timeline disclosed at the time of publication.
New ceramic solid-state battery for military, aerospace tech survives 302°F heat
A research team from Tsinghua University in China has successfully developed a compact, all-ceramic solid-state lithium-ion battery. This innovative battery design aims to enhance safety and efficiency in energy storage solutions. The announcement was made recently, highlighting the potential of this technology to address common issues associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries, such as flammability and limited lifespan. By utilizing an all-ceramic structure, the researchers believe they can significantly improve the performance and stability of batteries, making them more suitable for various applications, including electric vehicles and portable electronics. The team's work represents a significant advancement in battery technology, driven by the growing demand for safer and more efficient energy storage options in an increasingly electrified world.
Energy
Solid-state battery cell hits 465 Wh/kg density, targets aerospace and defense applications
European battery startup SOLiTHOR has successfully produced its first 10 Ah demonstration cell, showcasing a significant advancement in battery technology. This milestone was achieved recently at their facility in Europe, where the company aims to enhance energy storage solutions. The development of this demonstration cell is part of SOLiTHOR's broader mission to address the growing demand for efficient and sustainable battery systems, particularly in the context of the electric vehicle market and renewable energy storage. By utilizing innovative manufacturing processes and cutting-edge materials, SOLiTHOR is positioning itself as a key player in the competitive battery industry, striving to contribute to a greener future.
Energy
Beyond the Solid-State Battery Myth: CAS Breaks Through on Multiple Fronts in 2026
In spring 2026, the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced significant advancements in battery technology, showcasing breakthroughs in several areas including black phosphorus fast-charging, safe sodium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries, and hydrogen storage systems. These innovations aim to enhance energy storage solutions, addressing the growing demand for efficient and safe battery technologies in various applications. The developments reflect ongoing research efforts to improve energy efficiency and sustainability, positioning China at the forefront of battery technology advancements. The academy's work is expected to have a substantial impact on industries reliant on advanced energy storage, potentially transforming the landscape of electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
Technology
XPeng unveils new IRON humanoid robot with full-solid-state battery and AI brain
At the 2025 XPeng Tech Day, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng introduced its latest innovation, the IRON humanoid robot, which it claims to be the most human-like robot to date. The IRON robot is designed with an advanced bionic structure that mimics human anatomy, featuring a flexible spine, synthetic muscles, and soft full-body skin. Its hands boast 22 degrees of freedom, allowing for intricate movements. This unveiling marks a significant step in robotics, showcasing XPeng's commitment to integrating advanced technology into everyday life. The event highlights the company's vision to enhance human-robot interaction and push the boundaries of artificial intelligence and robotics.
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