Overview
At CES 2026, a new class of edge devices—ranging from AI-powered storytelling robots and lifespan-tracking smart mirrors to GPS-enabled pet trackers and industrial handhelds—highlighted a growing bottleneck: conventional lithium-ion batteries can no longer meet the demands of ambient, always-on, and safety-critical applications. As product forms evolve rapidly and use cases expand, battery performance, safety, and longevity have shifted from background considerations to central design constraints.
Manufacturers now face real-world challenges that go beyond basic certification. Devices must operate reliably under extreme conditions, including physical impact, temperature fluctuations, long-term storage at full charge, and continuous uptime. In medical, children’s, and industrial applications, even minor battery failures can lead to safety hazards, regulatory recalls, or brand damage. The U.S. FDA disclosed a recall of a children’s smart thermometer due to risks of overheating and chemical leakage, while the U.S. CPSC reported 115 overheating complaints and 78 burn incidents linked to a smartwatch, resulting in a USD12.25 million fine for delayed disclosure.
What the new battery strategy entails
The shift involves moving away from standardized lithium-ion cells toward advanced chemistries and system-level design. Solid-state and semi-solid state batteries are emerging as preferred solutions in high-risk applications. Compared to conventional liquid electrolyte batteries, semi-solid state variants remain non-ignitable and non-combustible under nail penetration, overcharging, short-circuiting, and crushing—critical for devices used by children, pets, or in hazardous environments.
Guangdong Zhaoneng Technology Co., Ltd. (ZERNE) exemplifies this new approach. Rather than offering off-the-shelf cells, ZERNE co-develops battery solutions tailored to specific use cases. For a pet GPS tracker, the company redesigned the battery with a 4.45V high-voltage cell (3,000mAh), incorporated a double-sided ceramic separator, and validated the design through 10 drop tests from 1.5 meters and 504 tumble tests from 0.5 meters. The result: no internal damage, stable performance, and enhanced safety under real-world stress.
ZERNE’s process includes on-site client visits, full device disassembly and analysis, and multiple design iterations before production. Each battery is traceable via a unique QR code, with X-ray inspection and positive-pressure sealing tests applied to every unit. The company holds certifications including UL, IEC 62133, ISO 9001, and RoHS, supporting global compliance.
Tradeoffs and long-term strategy
Adopting advanced battery solutions comes with a 30% higher upfront cost. However, the tradeoff delivers 2x runtime and up to 5,000 charge cycles, improving total cost of ownership. More importantly, early integration of battery design reduces field failure risks and accelerates time to market.
ZERNE has turned down multi-million RMB orders when clients refused safety-driven cost increases or requested lower-grade materials. The company also offers co-development and, in some cases, funding support for high-potential projects—positioning itself as a strategic partner rather than a component supplier.
When to use it
This strategy is essential for devices requiring high safety margins, long service life, or operation in uncontrolled environments. Applications include medical wearables, children’s electronics, industrial IoT, robotics, and security systems. For these use cases, battery choice is no longer a procurement decision—it is a core element of product strategy.
Bottom line: As ambient computing advances, battery technology must evolve in tandem. The shift to solid-state and application-specific designs is not optional for next-gen devices—it is foundational.