SM Vexel, a subsidiary of SM Group focused on manufacturing and services, is taking significant steps to become a "mobility power solution company" by advancing next-generation battery packs and battery management systems (BMS) for drones and robots.
On July 15, SM Vexel's battery division announced the establishment of a new Battery Pack Solutions Team within its technology research institute, launching a long-term project aimed at penetrating the advanced battery market. The company plans to enhance research and development (R&D) investments in high-performance battery packs, from industrial drones to humanoid robots, to respond to changes in the global market.
The newly formed team will include experts overseeing product design, manufacturing, evaluation, analysis, and domestic and international sales. Personnel responsible for BMS circuits, firmware, and mechanical design will also join the team in phases.
Future R&D efforts will be tailored to the specific characteristics of various industries and products. Mobility batteries will require precise design from the outset to achieve high energy density, thermal runaway prevention, lightweight construction, rapid charging, long lifespan, and real-time status diagnostics.
For instance, drones will utilize high-density, lightweight battery packs to enhance flight time and stability, while humanoid products will require high-output battery packs capable of ultra-fast charging for multi-joint actuation.
The key to each product's performance lies in the "smart BMS." SM Vexel's battery division is preparing to integrate thermal management and high-stability design into a BMS that analyzes voltage, temperature, charging, and lifespan in real-time to control output and detect anomalies early. This aims to maximize battery lifespan and stability while introducing battery packs optimized for various usage environments.
Additionally, SM Vexel's battery division is concurrently working on high-density lithium-ion battery research projects and developing battery packs for industrial and defense drones. The company plans to solidify product mass production and supply through strategic partnerships in areas such as robotic vacuum cleaners, serving robots, and humanoid applications.
Choi Se-hwan, head of SM Vexel's battery division, stated, "We plan to grow the newly established Battery Pack Solutions Team into a pivotal organization leading future mobility power systems based on our accumulated expertise in the battery field. We will quickly commercialize high-performance battery packs that meet market and customer needs."
Meanwhile, the demand for battery packs is rising as the drone and humanoid robot markets experience rapid growth. In particular, industrial and defense drones prioritize long flight times and stability, while humanoid robots emphasize high output, ultra-fast charging, and lightweight design as key competitive advantages.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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