Humanoid robots are expected to drive sustained growth in demand for lithium batteries

Recently, multiple institutions including Wanlian Securities and Guoxin Securities have released research reports stating that 2025 is expected to usher in the first year of commercial mass production of humanoid robots, which have become one of the most certain development directions for the future.

According to the reporter's review, the CyberOne humanoid robot released by Xiaomi Technology Co., Ltd. in 2022 has entered the phased implementation stage. In addition, Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot plans to achieve small-scale production by 2025 and is expected to achieve mass production by 2026. In terms of application, the industry generally believes that with the intensification of population aging and the rise of labor costs, the demand for humanoid robots in society will continue to increase, especially in areas such as elderly care, medical assistance, and public safety. The application of humanoid robots will gradually become popular. According to CITIC Securities' prediction, the global shipment of humanoid robots will exceed 10000 units by 2025; By 2030, the shipment of humanoid robots will reach around 5 million units, and the market demand will rise to about 750 billion yuan. Currently, humanoid robots typically use cylindrical lithium batteries installed in the center of their torso. For example, the Unitree H1 robot from Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co., Ltd. is equipped with a 15Ah lithium battery. With the rapid expansion of the humanoid robot market, the demand for lithium batteries will continue to grow, which will also drive the rapid development of listed companies in the industry chain. Shenzhen Haopeng Technology Co., Ltd. stated that the company has completed the sample delivery of battery products to a leading innovative brand manufacturer of "AI+Children's Companion". It is expected to enter the mass production stage this year, and the overall progress is in the first tier of the industry. Xinwangda Electronics Co., Ltd. stated that its semi-solid state battery cells have an energy density of up to 500Wh/kg and have been applied in robotic vacuum cleaners. In the future, it is expected to enter the field of humanoid robots. Guangzhou Lushan New Materials Co., Ltd. stated that considering that humanoid robots are mainly used and charged in indoor scenarios, safety is crucial. Solid state batteries, with their advantages of high energy density, excellent safety, and long service life, are becoming an important direction for battery technology iteration. With its technological accumulation in the field of solid-state battery materials, the company is expected to expand its application in the field of humanoid robots in the future.

Yuan Shuai, Deputy Secretary General of Zhongguancun Internet of Things Industry Alliance, told Securities Daily reporters that technological innovation will become a key force in promoting the upgrading of the lithium battery industry. The research and application of new battery technologies such as solid-state batteries and silicon-based negative electrode materials will provide more efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly power solutions for humanoid robots.