Battery industry: Key technology of the future
The battery industry plays a central role in the future of the world’s energy supply. Batteries are at the heart of numerous technologies, from electric vehicles and portable electronics to stationary energy storage systems. With the rise of electromobility and the global pursuit of climate neutrality, demand for high-performance, durable and sustainable batteries is growing.
In this context, the automation of battery production facilities and their processes requires a high level of economic viability, efficiency and safety. Leuze offers a comprehensive technology and product portfolio for the production of battery cells as well as for module and pack production.
Proven expertise: Battery production at BMW with sensors from Leuze
One of the most cutting-edge car manufacturing factories in the world is located in the north of the city of Leipzig: BMW Group Plant Leipzig. The site produces both combustion and electric models in parallel. E-mobility requires high-voltage batteries that supply the electric or hybrid vehicles with the necessary drive energy. The automotive group also manufactures these on site. Sensor technology from Leuze, implemented by Schaeffler Special Machinery, the machine manufacturing arm of the Schaeffler Group, makes an important contribution to an efficient and safe process in the production line.
Sensor tasks in battery production
Battery cell presence control
Determination of roll diameter
Fine positioning of the AGV’s load-carrying equipment
Code reading for cell traceability
Access guarding on a coating system
AGVs safeguarding and navigation
Areas of application
Sensor solutions for battery production
Battery cell production
Precious raw materials are turned into high-quality battery cells for sustainable electromobility. Our sensor solutions for battery cell production guarantee smooth processes while ensuring the safety of man and machine.
Module and pack production
High-quality battery cells are combined into high-performance modules and packs for a wide range of vehicle models. Our sensor solutions ensure the tracking and tracing of components, enable transport and logistics solutions for the material supply to the assembly cells, and ensure workstation safety.
Sensor solutions for AGVs and mobile platforms in the battery industry
Leuze offers a comprehensive portfolio of sensors for AGVs that can be used as solutions for a wide range of applications: From vehicle protection to supplying data for precise navigation to the correct receipt and handover of goods.
Various types of automated guided vehicle systems (AGVs) are used in industry, which are specially designed for different transport tasks. These include automatic forklifts, platform vehicles, tow tractors and underride vehicles, which can be used flexibly depending on requirements. Load handling, navigation, positioning and safety tasks can be designed with maximum efficiency using suitable sensor technology.
Safety solutions for automobile production
Access guarding for robot/AGV transfer stations
At AGV (automated guided vehicles) and robot cell transfer stations, all movement sequences during a station cycle must be taken into account when creating the safety concept. This also requires a comprehensive view of the safety functions when the AGV enters the station, when it reaches the transfer position, and when it leaves the station. AGVs are – in their own right – safeguarded through their integrated safety functions (e.g., with the RSL 400 safety laser scanner). Robot cells use safety sensors to detect whether a person is approaching the dangerous working range. For automated material transfers between AGVs and robots, however, all these safety systems must co-operate with each other to ensure safety at all times throughout the entire cycle. It is precisely this concept of cooperation that forms the basis of our safety solution for robot/AGV transfer stations.
Bidirectional AGV gate for access guarding
Highly automated and interlinked production systems often require a flexible material flow between the individual manufacturing cells. In such cases, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) take over material transport. The AGVs must reliably enter and exit at the junctions between the travel path and cells.
At the same time, access to the cell must be guarded. For the safety concept, this requires holistic consideration of all process steps: for example, the size and shape of the load change as the production process progresses, and the stopping of the AGV at the transition between the travel path and the danger zone, which is triggered by the on-board protective devices, must also be taken into account.
Our safety solution meets precisely these requirements: as a bidirectional AGV gate, it guards access to the danger zone fully and without gaps. The AGVs’ transportation paths are not restricted, and there are no additional costs for controlling moving protective devices or fixed hard guards.
Learn moreSensors for fully automated battery production
Presented at the CIBF battery trade fair in Shenzhen, China
Sensor technology for the networked factory
Integrated interfaces such as ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP and EtherCAT offer advantages for device management, condition monitoring and process optimization.
The OPC UA standard connects the levels of the automation pyramid. This allows machine and device data to be analyzed efficiently.
Available via two separate channels for condition monitoring or predictive maintenance: Data with real-time requirements on the one hand and data for process monitoring or parameterization on the other.
The digital communication protocol ensures process transparency, simple commissioning, and precise diagnostic information for condition monitoring.
