CATL and humanoid robot developer Galbot have signed a global strategic cooperation agreement, the two firms said. The partnership will target upgrading smart manufacturing lines, accelerating the worldwide rollout and large-scale deployment of AI humanoid robots, and jointly crafting what they describe as the world’s first aftermarket service standard for AI humanoid robots.

50 kg-Class Payload: Designed for Hazardous, Repetitive and Physically Demanding Tasks

At the center of the collaboration is the Galbot S1, a heavy-duty humanoid robot built by Galbot and the first AI humanoid in regular operation to run on CATL batteries.

Equipped with dual arms, the robot delivers a 50 kg payload capacity, vision-only centimeter-level positioning, and 360-degree omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. The CATL cells powering the machine use cathode particle-size grading technology, low-lithium-consumption anodes and a bionic self-healing electrolyte, achieving a cell failure rate measured in parts per billion. This gives the S1 up to eight hours of continuous operation while offering extended service life and strong safety for production line tasks.

The Galbot S1 has already been deployed on CATL’s intelligent production lines, carrying out extended autonomous work in module and battery pack manufacturing. It directly replaces human operators in high-intensity activities like material handling and picking, substantially lowering physical strain on shop floor workers.

After-Sales Service Extended to Humanoid Robots

Under the agreement, CATL’s NING Service Network — which provides battery inspection, maintenance and recycling for power batteries and energy storage systems — will formally broaden its scope to cover AI humanoid robots. Through this initiative, the partners also plan to establish the first aftermarket service standard for AI humanoid robots anywhere in the world.