• LG Energy Solution Ltd (LGES) has announced a strategic partnership with US-based Bear Robotics, becoming the exclusive supplier of cylindrical batteries for Bear Robotics' robots.
• The partnership also includes cooperation on new technologies and aims to enhance both parties' competitive edge in the global robot market.
• LGES recently secured a deal to supply electric vehicle batteries to US automotive manufacturer Rivian, marking a key milestone for LGES in expanding its client base within the cylindrical battery segment.
• The strategic partnerships that LGES is forming in the robotics and electric vehicle sectors strengthen LGES's position in the global market and pave the way for advancements in technology.

In a significant move that marks a new chapter in the global robotics industry, LG Energy Solution Ltd (LGES), South Korea's premier battery manufacturer, has announced a strategic partnership with US-based Bear Robotics. The collaboration, which was formalized through a memorandum of understanding, will see LGES become the exclusive supplier of cylindrical batteries for Bear Robotics' flagship robots, including Servi Plus and Carti 100, starting from next year.

This partnership is not just about battery supply; it also encompasses cooperation on new technologies and the fostering of a robust partnership to enhance both parties' competitive edge in the rapidly growing global robot market. The move aligns with LGES's strategic goal to diversify its business portfolio by venturing into new areas with high growth potential, such as urban air mobility, vessels, and robotics.

The announcement comes on the heels of another significant deal LGES secured last week to supply electric vehicle batteries to US automotive manufacturer Rivian.

LG Energy's Expansion into the EV Market

As part of this agreement, LGES will provide Rivian with its advanced 4695 cylindrical batteries, amounting to a total of 67 gigawatt hours, over a span of five years. These batteries will be manufactured at LGES's U.S. plant in Arizona and will be used in Rivian's R2 sport utility vehicles.

The 4695 cylindrical battery cells from LGES are gaining traction in the market due to their larger capacity, higher energy efficiency, and enhanced safety features. This is in response to the increasing demand for cylindrical batteries in the dynamic and ever-evolving electric vehicle market.

David Kim, CEO of LG Energy Solution, commented on the recent developments, Due to the dynamic nature of the current EV market, an increasing number of global automakers are demonstrating a strong preference for a diverse range of battery form factors. He further added, This large-scale order from Rivian for 4695 batteries marks a key milestone for LG Energy Solution in expanding its client base within the cylindrical battery segment.

The Future of Electric Vehicles and Robotics

The Rivian R2, which is expected to have a range of over 300 miles, will be equipped with these batteries. The R2 is part of Rivian's broader lineup, which also includes the R1S and R1T models that use nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries from Samsung SDI. The R2 is expected to carry over the adventure theme from its bigger R1 sibling and pack a bunch of cool tech, like zonal architecture and haptic control dials on the steering. It will also come natively equipped with the Tesla NACS connector, making finding fast chargers a non-issue for the R2.

The 4695 cylindrical battery, with a diameter of 46mm and height of 95mm, is recognized for offering both a long range and high safety. It features over six times the capacity of the existing 2170 cylindrical batteries. Its larger size enables higher energy density, improved space efficiency, and enhanced safety, which is attracting industry-wide attention.

In a historical context, this partnership between LGES and Bear Robotics echoes similar strategic alliances in the tech industry. For instance, the collaboration between IBM and Apple in the 1990s, which led to the development of the PowerPC architecture, was a significant milestone in the tech industry. Similarly, the partnership between LGES and Bear Robotics could potentially revolutionize the robotics industry by combining LGES's expertise in battery technology with Bear Robotics' prowess in robotics.