Comau UK and Ilika plc are collaborating on a 12-month Advanced Propulsion Center (APC)-funded project to design the scale up of Ilika’s lab-based manufacturing capacity. The initial objective of the project is to increase the production of Ilika’s solid-state battery cells from 1kWh per week to 10kWh per week at its pilot facility. Comau will also conduct a feasibility study of the customer’s Goliath solid state technology process and will design a manufacturing strategy that can be cost effectively scaled to reach mass production levels.

The project leverages Comau’s more than 45 years of expertise in automation and digitalization technologies. As Goliath is a next-generation technology, Comau will apply its robust design capability and battery competencies to propose an innovative solution that responds to the unique requirements of the project.

Through its facility in Britain, Comau can offer added value of delivering a seamless, barrier-free, intra-continental customer experience every step of the way. Comau’s approach to smart automation will allow the company to select and source the optimal combination of systems that can meet aggressive throughput and time to market goals. Another important aspect of the project is its replicability. With Comau’s international network spanning 14 countries, Comau is able to design a standardized solution that can be easily reproduced around the world.

“We are honored to be working with Ilika to bridge the gap between prototype manufacturing and commercial production of next-generation batteries,” emphasizes John Coombes, Managing Director, Comau UK. “Our progressive approach to simultaneous engineering along with Comau’s cutting-edge solutions and investments further strengthen our ability to speed development of promising new technologies.”

Graeme Purdy, Chief Executive Officer of Ilika, adds, “Comau is a leader in industrial automation and plant design with a strong track record in the battery industry. This project represents an exciting opportunity to work with Comau’s experts in designing a robust and scalable manufacturing strategy for our Goliath solid state batteries.