Industry

Swappable vs integrated: Humanoid battery standards race intensifies

With 2026 seen as the first year of mass production for humanoids, robot battery supply methods are splitting into two camps: swappable packs and integrated high-energy-density batteries. Forecasts see global shipments rising sharply through 2035, but limited run time makes securing operating hours a key task. Kiwoom Securities says operating environments drive the choice. Korea’s top three battery makers are preparing options including all-solid-state and high-nickel chemistries as demand grows.

Industry

Boston Dynamics Atlas moves 23 kg mini fridge, bringing factory deployment closer

Boston Dynamics released a new demonstration video of its humanoid robot Atlas, showing it lifting and moving a 23 kg mini fridge and then stepping back so a researcher could take a canned drink. The video also includes the learning process behind the motion. The company is developing Atlas for manufacturing sites rather than homes, focusing on low cost, simplicity and reliability. Researchers said Atlas lifted 45 kg in lab tests.