At the upcoming HANNOVER MESSE, taking place from March 31 to April 4, 11 companies will showcase their collaborative efforts in the ‘Battery Cell Production’ project. Bosch Rexroth, DBR77, EDAG, Fanuc, Fraunhofer FFB, IBG, Keyence, Lenze, Mybotshop, Schunk, and Vision Lasertechnik will demonstrate how robotic-assisted production processes can scale and optimize the manufacturing of battery cells and packs for electric vehicles (EVs).
The ‘Battery Use Case’ project highlights how different technologies can work together to enhance scalability, improve resource efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and build sustainable value chains. As demands for higher throughput and quality increase, this project shows how integrating various technological solutions is essential for the automation of production systems. The exhibitors’ collaboration offers a glimpse into the future of battery manufacturing.
The project includes individual production stages, which are visualized using digital twins and virtual reality (VR) technology. Over the years, more exhibitors and live production stages will be added to showcase the innovative capabilities of these companies in cell and pack production.
The knowledge gained through this project is applicable to other industries that require high precision and quality in their production processes. The co-creation between partners is resulting in coordinated models that link different technologies and production stages, paving the way for more efficient and flexible manufacturing across various sectors.
Meeting Evolving Battery Production Demands
As the requirements for battery production continue to evolve, the production process itself must become more flexible, transparent, and intelligent. The exhibiting partners are introducing innovations to ensure the process is agile and fast enough to meet future demands. All components, modules, and systems are based on open interfaces, designed for optimal networking. This approach reduces the complexity of automation projects while boosting the productivity and availability of systems. It also allows for flexible expansion, offering more options as production needs grow.
Electric mobility is seen as a crucial technology for reducing long-term emissions and fostering a more sustainable future. According to the Association of the German Automotive Industry (VDA), nearly one in five cars sold globally is now electric. As electric vehicles become more widespread, the demand for batteries will be central to the transition from high-emission fuel sources to cleaner, more sustainable alternatives.
Energy-efficient production processes are also critical as energy costs rise and resource conservation becomes more urgent. By reducing energy consumption in manufacturing, companies can lower operating costs and contribute to environmental sustainability. Lenze, an automation specialist, will demonstrate energy-efficient conveyor technology solutions, which are essential for maintaining a reliable and efficient material flow in battery production.
Full Integration and Scalability in Production
Lenze’s drive systems ensure the precise and reliable movement of materials within the production line. They provide equipment for battery production, from manufacturing ultra-thin copper foils to automating assembly and warehouse processes. Lenze’s open automation systems also offer full integration and scalability, making it easier to incorporate robotics into production processes.
Intralogistics is becoming increasingly important with the rise of product variants and the need for greater flexibility in production. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) from IBG provide innovative solutions for specific logistics tasks. Their modular design allows for easy adaptation to individual needs and smooth integration into existing systems. In this project, IBG will demonstrate the combination of AGV technology with collaborative robots (cobots), showcasing a highly adaptable and efficient logistics solution.
Battery Recycling: A Key Step for the Future
As the demand for raw materials grows, battery recycling and the recovery of materials from used batteries are becoming critical. Regulatory requirements, such as the EU Battery Regulation, further emphasize the importance of sustainable practices. While the majority of lithium-ion battery recycling facilities are located in East Asia, particularly China, Europe is expanding its capacities.
Bosch Rexroth is playing a role in advancing battery recycling by offering a modular solution for diagnosing, unloading, and dismantling used vehicle batteries. This solution, which automates process steps before recycling, aims to support the growing need for efficient and sustainable recycling practices.
Conclusion
The ‘Battery Cell Production’ project at HANNOVER MESSE highlights the growing importance of automation, energy efficiency, and sustainability in the future of electric vehicle production. By showcasing how different technologies can work together, this project sets the stage for more efficient and flexible manufacturing processes that will help meet the increasing demand for electric vehicles and sustainable battery production.
