Comau, a specialist in advanced industrial automation products and services, has confirmed it will continue work on the EU-based Flex-BD project via robotic electric battery dismantling system.
The technology automates the process of taking worn-out cells used to power devices and vehicles in a way that is flexible, repeatable, and easy to standardise. As a result, the system is scalable and could easily be adapted to a variety of locations, regions and markets.
Not only does Flex-BD remove the risk of human error and contact with harmful substances, it dramatically speeds up this essential work, too. Meanwhile, the automated system is also capable of repurposing batteries to give them a second life – a key pillar in the path to a circular economy.
According to Comau, based on predicted electric battery production volumes over the coming years, by 2030 there could be more than 1million discarded cells by 2030, which can be reused. The innovative solution has therefore been developed to gain a strong foothold in what is predicted to be a rapidly emerging market over the next decade, meanwhile efforts will also be made to help businesses reduce waste and optimise reuse of raw materials within battery packs.
‘Our work with the Flex-BD project leverages Comau’s long standing automation expertise in the development of flexible, scalable and sustainable processes,’ said Pietro Gorlier, CEO at Comau. ‘By expanding our smart automation solution to include second life repurposing of high-power batteries, many of which have a residual capacity of up to 80%, Comau is making a concrete contribution to the realization of truly sustainable mobility.’
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