Comau and Leclanché developing automated lithium-ion battery production line

Comau, which specialises in automation products and solutions, has been commissioned to build one of the world’s first automated manufacturing lines for lithium-ion battery modules for transport applications by Leclanché, a leading provider of energy storage solutions.

The all-in-one solution selected by Leclanché is capable of automating the entire battery manufacturing process, from pouch cell stacking and welding to the final assembly of up to 32 different product configurations. In defining the scope and design specifics during the Simultaneous Engineering process, the joint engineering team was able to validate the production process and propose modifications to the battery module design to further increase the efficiency of the proposed manufacturing solution. Furthermore, the use of Comau’s LHYTE laser welding machine will enable Leclanché to improve its welding process by granting increased productivity and model flexibility.

The project, which was developed using Simultaneous Engineering, features multiple articulated Comau robots and the company’s cutting-edge hybrid laser solution, LHYTE, that combines a direct diode and fiber laser source within the same modular system. The line also includes in.Grid, Comau’s interactive IoT and MES (Manufacturing Execution System) platform, which will enable data management and complete production, processes and maintenance monitoring, with the option to include remote assistance and teleservice capabilities.

Mauro Fenzi, Comau CEO, pointed out: “We are proud of being selected by one of the leading companies in the booming battery sector for being part of their strategic growth. This order acquisition confirms that Comau’s unique mix of process, digital and robotics competencies is well suited to lead our customers to establish themselves on the E-Mobility market”.

Anil Srivastava, CEO of Leclanché said: “Leclanché made an early investment in developing a DNV GL* certified battery system for marine applications and is the first battery supplier to fully comply with the stringent 2015 regulations. Our partnership with Comau will enable Leclanché to produce our leading energy storage solutions for e-transport and e-marine applications at an industrial scale, securing Leclanché’s position as the provider of energy storage solutions to the sizeable and fast growing electric and hybrid mass transport market.”