The robots are coming! … and other takeaways from the Battery Show South 2026
You only need to keep track of the news to see the development of the U.S. EV marketplace is diverging from the initial visions of auto manufacturers. That might be stating it too gently: Companies such as Ford, GM, Honda and Volkswagen have scaled back or pivoted from their original plans.
But there is still demand for batteries. Some automakers are shifting their focus to technologies, such as hybrid powertrains and stationary battery storage, that use batteries in ways better aligned with consumers’ needs. It’s also worth remembering that while the automotive industry has significant influence, it’s not the only demand driver for battery technology.
That’s great news for tape converters interested in serving the industry and pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) suppliers like Avery Dennison.
A showcase for a maturing industry
The Battery Show South 2026 was held at the Charlotte Convention Center April 22 and 23. Max Van Raaphorst, market manager, e-mobility, energy storage, automotive, and Steve DeMaagd, business development leader, energy storage, automotive, advanced materials, were in attendance. Both are show veterans.
Max and Steve took the opportunity to walk the floor during the two days, observe how the battery industry is adapting, and learn more about new technologies (robots!) that will drive future demand for batteries and PSAs.
Here are a few of their takeaways from the two-day event.
A shift from exploration to execution
Max and Steve noted, while the size and attendance of the 2026 Battery Show South was on par with last year’s inaugural event, this year’s attendees appeared more targeted and engaged. As a whole, the companies active in the space today have a different character than those a few years ago, with proven technologies, active programs and well-defined commercial goals.
“What we see now are fewer companies that are ‘curious’ and more companies that are really ‘serious’,” says Max. “The ones that are staying are the ones that are entrenched in the battery industry, versus the ones who were just trying to be opportunistic.”
And it remains a significant opportunity for tape converters and manufacturers. A more mature industry requires reliable, automation-ready bonding solutions, and capabilities that can help companies scale quickly.
Energy storage systems (ESS) are becoming a major growth opportunity
Battery manufacturers are paying more attention to opportunities in ESS. They’re increasingly exploring ESS related to grid storage, residential backup power and the booming data center industry.
Max explains: “Say a battery plant is equipped to make 10 million cells for the auto industry. But now demand is only for a fraction of that, so they have excess capacity. Well, the plant doesn’t want to turn off the lines. So they ask, ‘Where else can I sell?’ And they witness data centers popping up and requiring energy. Or they see more homes with solar, which is now less expensive than gas, that need backup storage.”
“There is tremendous overlap between battery requirements in automotive and ESS,” he continues. “And the opportunity for tapes is also large, because those battery manufacturers still need materials that help address things like thermal runaway mitigation, fire suppression and electrical insulation.”
Robotics and advanced automation are creating new possibilities
Humanoid-style robots are racking up an impressive and growing list of capabilities. It’s not just doing cartwheels and loading dishwashers. Industries are intrigued by the potential of humanoid robots in manufacturing, warehousing and logistics, hazardous tasks and more.
Those robots need portable power, of course. So it’s no wonder that Max and Steve noted numerous conversations related to the segment and its applications. Robot battery systems require lightweight construction, compact power management, flexible materials and precision assembly, an opportunity tailor-made for tape converters.
“Several people mentioned robotics as an area where there’s a lot of activity,” says Steve. “Obviously, that segment is still developing. But for converters already building expertise in battery applications, robotics could represent a logical future extension.”
A clear message for changing times
For Max and Steve, the message from the Battery Show South was clear: As applications evolve, converters and PSA suppliers will continue to find opportunities to provide adhesive technologies that support performance, manufacturability and reliability.
The Avery Dennison portfolio of PSA tape solutions helps converters and battery manufacturers address evolving requirements across a growing range of battery-related applications. Learn more about the portfolio at tapes.averydennison.com.
To schedule a call with Max or Steve to discuss opportunities in the battery industry, please connect with them through LinkedIn.
Max VanRaaphorst at LinkedIn
Steve DeMaagd at LinkedIn