Comau joins the SPINMATE project to advance large-scale manufacturing of generation 4b (Gen 4b) solid-state battery cells and modules.

SPINMATE is an initiative led by Avesta Battery & Energy Engineering (ABEE) that aims to develop innovative and scalable manufacturing techniques for solid-state battery cells. The initiative intends to demonstrate a scalable, sustainable, safe, and cost-effective digitalized pilot line as a first step towards the large-scale manufacturing of Gen 4b solid-state battery cells and modules, to support the electrification of the automotive sector.

Develops Safe Battery Processes

Comau will work with international partners, material manufacturers, research organizations and universities. Specifically, the company will develop innovative solid-state battery cell assembly processes, which are safe, efficient and fully scalable. This includes identifying the equipment and tools needed to cut and stack. It will handle next-generation materials such as metallic lithium and solid electrolytes in automatic cell assembly.

Moreover, Comau spearheads the digitalization strategy for the milestone pilot line. It comprises Industry 4.0 and 5.0 digital manufacturing concepts. The Technology Readiness Level 6 line is expected to be finalized by mid-2026.

In addition to helping create large-scale manufacturing processes for next-generation solid-state batteries, Comau advances development of cutting-edge equipment for all-solid-state cell assembly. The company will also develop new proprietary algorithms for the design and optimization of cell manufacturing plants. This is in addition to applying its digital solutions to a new environment.

Involvement in European Battery Consortia

As part of the company’s firm commitment to energy transformation solutions, Comau is actively involved in three of Europe’s top battery consortiums, having joined the European Battery Alliance (EBA), the Batteries European Partnership Association (BEPA) and the European Technology and Innovation Platform (ETIP) at the beginning of 2021. Similarly, Comau is a partner of Upcell – European Battery Manufacturing Alliance, an association that promotes the creation of a totally European value chain for the development and production of electric batteries. Comau also participates in numerous projects regarding electrification as part of the HORIZON 2020 and HORIZON EUROPE programs, such as SPINMATE.

At present, Comau develops automated manufacturing systems for battery cells, modules and complete packs. In addition, it designs and, in some cases, already supplies customers with a range of systems for different stages of the production process, including battery cell forming technologies.

Also, the company is actively engaged in bridging the gap between prototype manufacturing and commercial production of new battery technologies with the aim of achieving industrial-scale development of solid-state batteries. Finally, Comau is applying its innovation to research projects regarding alternative next-generation technologies, such as sodium batteries.

“Initiatives such as these are key to achieving the world’s energy transformation goals and underscore Comau’s ongoing dedication to helping promote and enable a truly circular economy,” confirms Gian Carlo Tronzano, Head of Battery Cell Global Competence Center. “We are proud to be at the forefront of the effort to speed technology advances toward the industrialization of next-generation, solid-state batteries and their related technologies, thus helping create value for OEMs and suppliers alike.”