Comau has secured a public tender with the National Institute of Chemistry in Slovenia, to industrialize flexible machines for advanced cell formation and testing.
The collaboration aims to develop and industrialize flexible machines for the formation and testing of advanced cell technologies at varying working temperatures. The project was started in June, and is expected to end by the end of 2025.
The scope of the project is to deliver a technology path (from design to installation and commissioning) for the industrialization of flexible machines that manage both the formation and testing of various cell formats.
The cell formation process must be able to handle both pouch and prismatic cell formats, whereas Comau is tasked with ensuring comprehensive testing capabilities for pouch, prismatic, and cylindrical cell formats.
Furthermore, the tests must cover a wide range of working temperatures, from room temperature to sub-zero conditions.
This project not only showcases Comau’s leadership in industrial automation but also underscores the increasing importance of flexible and advanced cell formation and testing technologies within the evolving battery landscape.
Indeed, Comau’s collaboration with the National institute of chemistry highlights the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of research and development in next-generation cell technologies and supporting the transition to a carbon-free reality.
One of the most challenging aspects, which is also a critical component of the initiative, is the management of a diverse range of cell dimensions, in addition to accommodating cells from external sources.
To achieve this, Comau has engineered specific and flexible tooling for secure safe handling and precise connectivity. Both of which can be integrated with the climatic chambers for precise temperature control and advanced power electronics that ensure optimal current levels.
Another important element was to design the machines with the most appropriate level of automation complexity considering the tooling would be handled by scientists and other operators.
In every aspect of the set-up, safety must be considered the priority, both in terms of the materials to be handled as well as overall accessibility and maintainability.
For example, there are no manual couplings between the tooling and the climatic chambers, such that the operator can easily and safely configure the tooling based on the products to be processed.
Comau has also engineered a sophisticated software interface to allow operators to control processes and input specific parameters efficiently.
Andrew Lloyd, Comau chief engineering officer, says: “The opportunity to work with an innovative and authoritative organization such as the Slovenian National Institute of Chemistry confirms our steadfast research in the field of next generation electrification enablers in order to provide our customers with best-in-class solutions.
“Comau’s comprehensive competencies and cutting-edge technologies span the spectrum from batteries to e-motors, and from cell formation to innovative hairpin stator technologies.
“All of which underscore our commitment to helping drive the evolution of e-mobility by ensuring superior performance, reliability, and sustainability during every stage of our customers’ journey.”
