EcoPro targets humanoid robotics market with new battery materials

EcoPro BM, the cathode-producing subsidiary of South Korea’s EcoPro, is pivoting toward one of tech’s most hyped frontiers: humanoid robots. The company announced on September 6 its intention to supply battery materials specifically engineered for humanoid robotics.

Goldman Sachs projects the humanoid robot market will hit $38 billion by 2035, with more than 1.4 million units shipping annually.

Why batteries are the bottleneck

EcoPro’s pitch centers on its high-nickel ternary cathodes, materials with nickel content exceeding 90%. These NCM and NCA chemistries pack significantly more energy per kilogram than the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries that dominate cheaper applications like stationary storage. For a robot, the practical upside is straightforward: lighter batteries mean less strain on joint actuators, which means longer operating times and more natural movement.

Solid-state ambitions on a real timeline

EcoPro isn’t stopping at conventional lithium-ion cathodes. The company has spent four years developing components for all-solid-state batteries, including sulfide-based solid electrolytes, optimized cathode materials, and lithium-metal anodes. Its pilot facility currently produces solid electrolytes at a rate of 40 tons per year, with a complete mass production design ready to deploy once customer demand materializes.

The target for mass production readiness is 2027.

EcoPro showcased its full lineup of high-nickel and all-solid-state battery systems at InterBattery 2026, one of the industry’s major annual exhibitions. The company reported engagement with more than 30 significant industry players at the event.

The Korean conglomerate context

South Korea’s largest industrial groups have been aggressively entering the humanoid robotics space. Samsung and Hyundai, which acquired Boston Dynamics in 2021, are both investing heavily in robotic platforms that will need advanced battery solutions.

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