Distributed solid state battery boost for tiny drones

A groundbreaking development in battery technology has emerged from collaborative research efforts between teams in the US and France. The innovative chip created by researchers at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) and CEA-Leti is designed to control a distributed solid-state battery, which can be seamlessly integrated with a microactuator. This cutting-edge technology opens up new possibilities for applications in drones, robots, and medical devices, offering enhanced performance and efficiency.

The 2-in-1 chip developed by the team combines battery storage capabilities with voltage boost conversion, presenting a versatile solution for various microactuation systems. Recently unveiled at the ISSCC 2025 conference in California, this chip is capable of providing up to 56.1V with minimal operating frequency requirements, catering specifically to the needs of microactuators. By eliminating the need for traditional bulky components like capacitors or inductors, the solid-state battery design achieves a compact and lightweight form factor, making it ideal for integration into micro flying robots and embedded medical devices.

One of the key advantages of this innovative technology is the ability to deliver high-voltage outputs through the division of the solid-state battery, without the reliance on conventional components that add bulk and weight. This unique approach results in a highly efficient and autonomous system, setting a new standard for small electromechanical actuators. InjectPower, a spinout of Leti, is already working on producing miniature solid-state batteries in a fabrication facility for medical applications, showcasing the practical implications of this cutting-edge research.

According to Gaël Pillonnet, the scientific director of CEA-Leti’s Silicon Component Division and a lead author of the ISSCC paper, “The design uniquely integrates energy storage and voltage conversion, setting a new standard in efficiency and autonomy for small electromechanical actuators. In addition, by leveraging a novel battery matrix, this is the first demonstration of such a system for ultra-low-power, high-voltage applications.” The seamless integration of energy storage and voltage conversion represents a significant advancement in the field of microactuation systems, paving the way for enhanced performance and efficiency.

Professor Patrick Mercier, an expert in Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC San Diego, emphasized the significance of this technology for microdrones and microrobotic systems. He highlighted the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of utilizing solid-state batteries, which can be divided into smaller components to generate the required voltages. This innovative approach offers a compact and lightweight solution for powering high-voltage systems, addressing the unique requirements of autonomous robots and embedded medical devices.

As the research progresses, extrapolated data suggests that the system can be further optimized to achieve weights as low as 14mg without compromising efficiency. This scalability and efficiency make the technology a crucial enabler for weight-constrained autonomous robots and small embedded devices used in medical applications. The continuous innovation in battery technology and microactuation systems holds great promise for the future of robotics, drones, and medical devices, ushering in a new era of efficiency and performance.