Robotics is moving quickly — from drones that deliver packages to humanoids and cobots designed to work safely alongside people. The design of systems is getting more complicated because each type of robot has its own needs for power, safety, and efficiency. We talk to Hirohisa Hori, Senior Manager, Power System Marketing at Renesas Electronics about how these problems are being solved. We look at the different ways that robots charge and use batteries, the difference between 48V and 400V motor drives, and why functional safety is becoming more important even outside of cars. We also look at the evolving landscape of communication protocols inside and outside robots, and why GaN technology is starting to play a central role in next-generation motor control.