IDTechEx Forecasts 10.5GWh Humanoid Battery Demand by 2037

Recap

Source: 로봇신문, report of Sept. 22, 2026

According to the report, market research firm IDTechEx projects that global battery demand for humanoid robots will reach 10.5GWh by 2037. The firm published a report titled "Batteries for Humanoid Robots 2027-2037: Technologies, Players and Forecasts," which analyzes the technological and economic requirements of this emerging sector. IDTechEx notes that as humanoid robots become more prevalent, the adoption of next-generation battery technologies—including semi-solid-state, all-solid-state, and lithium-sulfur cells—is expected to expand significantly.

The report emphasizes that energy density and operational uptime are the most critical factors for humanoid robot batteries. These power sources must continuously supply actuators, computing systems, and sensors, while simultaneously handling the high power demands of walking and lifting heavy objects. IDTechEx states that industrial humanoid robots require longer continuous operation times compared to commercial or home-use models, necessitating higher energy storage capabilities. Conversely, home-use robots may operate with lower energy density due to intermittent usage patterns.

A key finding in the report is the growing importance of battery swapping as an alternative to fast charging. IDTechEx identifies Unitree and Boston Dynamics as representative companies adopting this approach. The report argues that swapping depleted batteries for charged ones minimizes downtime and reduces battery degradation compared to repeated fast-charging cycles. This method allows for faster re-deployment of robots in industrial environments, which is crucial for maintaining productivity.

Context

Humanoid robots are designed to leverage existing human-centric work environments, offering versatility that specialized robots like AGVs lack. Major players such as Tesla, Figure AI, and Agility Robotics are developing these platforms for manufacturing and logistics. The battery market for these robots is distinct from the electric vehicle sector because it requires specific power delivery profiles for dynamic movement rather than just sustained driving. The shift toward battery swapping mirrors trends in electric two-wheelers and heavy machinery, where minimizing downtime is more valuable than maximizing single-charge range.

Robot's take

The projection of 10.5GWh by 2037 suggests a significant, though still niche, market segment compared to the automotive industry. The emphasis on battery swapping is a pragmatic engineering choice that prioritizes system availability over battery longevity per unit. However, it is not yet clear whether the infrastructure for standardized swapping will scale quickly enough to support widespread industrial deployment. The competition between solid-state and lithium-sulfur technologies will likely determine the next generation of power densities, but for now, the operational strategy of how to keep robots moving seems to be the more immediate differentiator.