SES AI Corporation has introduced a groundbreaking AI-enhanced 2170 cylindrical cell tailored for humanoid robotics and drone applications during CES 2025, taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This new battery features an electrolyte material developed through SES AI’s Molecular Universe initiative, a collaboration with NVIDIA to leverage advanced GPU-accelerated computational chemistry.
The 2170 cylindrical cell is recognized as the first of its kind to utilize this innovative electrolyte. SES AI has successfully addressed the challenges of gassing and low-temperature performance in traditional Li-ion 2170 cells, which has led to significant interest from various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The cylindrical cell market is projected to grow to $50 billion by 2033, highlighting the potential of these advancements.
By engaging in extensive research, SES AI has reduced the time needed to map the properties of suitable battery electrolytes from over 8,000 years to just two months, made possible through advanced computational techniques integrated into their research that began in collaboration with NVIDIA, Supermicro, and Crusoe in 2024.
The new cell retains the large-scale availability and standard form factor of traditional 2170 Li-ion cells, while offering enhanced low-temperature performance, high-rate capabilities, improved cycling stability, and reduced risks of gassing and thermal issues. This advancement provides an integrated and high-energy density solution for applications in humanoid robotics and drones.
Founder and CEO Qichao Hu, noted, “We were asked by several OEMs to find an electrolyte that would solve the gassing and poor low temperature cycling and rate performance issues they were experiencing with traditional Li-ion 2170 cells used in high-energy applications. We believe the new electrolyte we have discovered through our AI solves this issue and opens a new market for us in Li-ion 2170 cells, which are predominantly used in robotics and drone applications. The worldwide market for Li-ion cylindrical cells alone is currently estimated at $10bn in 2023 and expected to grow to $50bn by 2033 according to Allied Market Research. Using this electrolyte in our new cells as well as Li-Metal applications creates additional revenue potential we had not previously anticipated.”
Source: Business Wire
