Fully automated modular system for lithium cell formation.
Industrial automation project for lithium battery assembly and formation lines, from the pilot phase to mass production

“This project has enabled us to develop state-of-the-art solutions for one of the most critical processes in the sector, creating a strategic advantage for future industrial implementations.”

 

INTRODUCTION

MADE 4.0 is a Competence Center: an innovation hub established by the Ministry of Economic Development to support Italian companies in their digital transition journey.
An ambitious and strategic project within both the national and European landscape, where universities, public institutions, and partner companies provide services, expertise, training, tools, and concrete projects to facilitate the adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in production processes and business models.

THE PROBLEM

Currently, each battery manufacturer adopts its own formation protocol, defined according to the technology used and accumulated industry experience. This results in dedicated processes for each battery type, with specific requirements and controls. In the absence of a standardized formation protocol, the various plant customizations lead to longer implementation times and increased costs.

THE SOLUTION

Within the MADE project funded by the PNRR, Digatron Systems developed a next-generation technological solution featuring a modular, scalable, and configurable architecture tailored to plant requirements. The modular concept consists of a formation module including a formation chamber with integrated control electronics. Each module can be configured based on process specifications and required productivity. This new technology platform enables scalability for fully automated formation plants, integrating plant supervision software developed by Digatron Systems that allows real-time monitoring and process recipe management. The module design places particular emphasis on safety through multi-level management, enabling advanced plant control.

TECHNOLOGIES

• Integration of advanced automation for the formation chamber, precise environmental condition control, and high-accuracy control electronics
• High energy efficiency through regenerative control electronics technology
• Configurable software for plant and formation process management
• Enhanced safety during battery formation through integrated monitoring and control technologies

IMPACTS

• Reduction of operating costs through simplified module implementation in formation plants
• Increased market competitiveness, expanding the product range and improving responsiveness to customer needs
• High energy efficiency, resulting in a positive environmental sustainability impact

BENEFITS FOR THE COMPANY

This module will enable an expanded product offering to the market, significantly reduce time-to-market, and optimize productivity in the development of fully automated plants, increasing market share within the target sector.

KPIs 

• Improved electronics performance with the ability to reach higher currents
• Energy savings in formation plants
• Simplified plant maintenance