Comau presents its new cell formation at The Battery Show 2024

The global automation company, one of the first European players to locally source this crucial part of the battery manufacturing process, brings its efficient and scalable battery cell formation solutions to the commercial market. Comau's capabilities span from lab-based prototypes to giga-scale production, enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and prioritising safety and sustainability.

Comau offers a range of solutions supporting various production stages. During the three-day conference in Stuttgart, Germany, Comau will present its latest automated manufacturing systems for battery cells, modules, and complete packs, regardless of cell format. Its extensive portfolio of products, processes, and technologies enables seamless transitions from prototyping and pre-production to mass manufacturing and end-of-life battery recycling, ensuring high-quality and efficient production.

Comau’s proprietary cell formation solutions cover the essential processes that transform assembled cells into stable, electrically charged batteries. This critical phase involves a series of charging and discharging cycles to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the cells. Additionally, Comau will display its high-speed Racer-5 SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS (Racer-5 SE) industrial robot, designed for cleanroom assembly of battery cells and microelectronics. This 6-axis articulated robot automates stringent applications while reducing operating costs.

Data collection and analysis are vital in battery production to control process and product quality. To address this, Comau will feature its data management tools, including the in.Grid platform, at the booth.

Comau continues to invest heavily in R&D for next-generation technologies, such as solid-state batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, battery module and pack assembly, and battery tray processing. The company is involved in multiple pan-European e-Mobility projects, such as developing a compact cell formation chamber layout and warehouse management strategy that optimises electric energy and heat reuse. Additionally, Comau has developed a robotic system for the automated dismantling of used batteries, reducing waste and optimising material reuse.

Comau’s specialised laboratories and battery innovation centres enable customers to test next-generation battery solutions and receive direct support for process definition and optimisation.

“Battery demand is estimated to increase significantly between now and 2030, driven largely by the pan-European goal of creating an autonomous supply chain. Despite recent uncertainty regarding the growth rate, the battery market is still expected to exceed €170 billion in 2030 and our broad ranging competence and versatile skills set allow us to respond to evolving scenarios,” explained Pietro Gorlier, Comau CEO. “Comau’s commitment to delivering best-in-class technologies, such as our new cell formation solutions, underscores our ongoing dedication to helping drive the world’s energy transformation goals. Leveraging our unique know-how, long-standing experience in automotive and strong global team, we will continue to support our growing client base and navigate their increasingly complex projects.”

Comau will unveil its proprietary cell formation and testing solutions at booth number 9-F50.