Industry sources report that LG Energy Solution has been supplying the battery pack for Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot since its early development. The South Korean battery maker, which also provides cells for Tesla’s Optimus robot and previously powered Boston Dynamics’ quadruped robot Spot, was selected to support Atlas following its showcase at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
Humanoid robots like Atlas rely on high-energy-density batteries to maximize operating time and range within a limited internal volume roughly the size of a human torso. Unlike electric vehicles, where battery modules can be distributed across the chassis, robots must integrate compact, powerful cells. Atlas is equipped with LG Energy Solution’s 46-series cylindrical ternary battery cells, a format that industry experts say only a handful of companies—including LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and Japan’s Panasonic—can mass-produce at high performance.
“The key is how much output can be generated within a limited volume roughly the size of a human torso,” said Yoon Moon-su, assistant professor of battery engineering at Gachon University. “Korean firms with strong capabilities in ternary batteries have an advantage.”
LG Energy Solution indicated during a January conference call that it supplies batteries to more than six robotics customers. At a recent industry meeting, the company’s CEO noted partnerships with “robot makers that most people are familiar with,” which sources believe include Tesla, Hyundai and several Chinese robotics firms. The company has not disclosed specific clients.
While robotics batteries currently represent only about 2 percent of a robot’s total production cost and humanoid robots remain largely in development, the battery industry views robotics as a long-term growth opportunity. Market research firm SNE Research forecasts global humanoid robot shipments will increase from 690,000 units in 2030 to 53.3 million units in 2040, driving the robot battery market to an estimated $10.5 billion by that time.
Analysts highlight Atlas’s potential for manufacturing applications, noting its planned deployment at Hyundai Motor’s U.S. plants beginning in 2028. With the United States aiming to reduce reliance on Chinese battery suppliers, Korean battery makers could find new opportunities in a U.S.-led humanoid robot supply chain.
Source: Korea JoongAng Daily
