Battery cell manufacturing is an industry that strives for maximum energy density and production efficiency. Different production stages impose distinct requirements on end‑effectors. In processes involving delicate, easily damaged materials such as electrodes and flexible printed circuits (FPCs), preventing micro‑damage is a critical aspect of process optimization.
Therefore, SRT is exploring the use of soft robotics technology to provide a brand‑new solution approach for production lines in battery cell assembly, module assembly, and post‑stage inspection.
【Demonstration of NBM Series Bionic Airbags in Lithium Battery Pick‑and‑Place Operations】
Exploring Core Application Scenarios
Pouch Battery Cell Handling and Alignment
For pouch cell processes like stacking, edge sealing/positioning, and tab alignment, SRT's bionic dexterous end‑effectors use a large‑area enveloping structure to deliver uniform gripping force with millinewton‑level precision control, ensuring gentle human‑like contact. The flexible silicone preserves cell appearance and integrity during precise handling, preventing wrinkling or damage to the aluminum‑plastic film.
Prismatic Aluminum‑Cased Cell Assembly and Inspection
For processes including cell‑to‑can insertion assembly, loading and unloading for withstand voltage testing, and dimensional measurement, SRT's soft robotic end‑effectors leverage a repeatability of ±0.08 mm and adaptive enveloping capability to automatically compensate for dimensional variations in incoming aluminum cases, enabling precise positioning during insertion. In the loading/unloading stages for testing, the flexible contact helps maintain product stability throughout the material handling flow.
Blade Battery Long‑Distance Handling
For processes such as long‑distance handling and module stacking, the blade battery—characterized by its long, thin structure with lengths typically ranging from 600 to 2500 mm—is prone to deformation. SRT's soft robotic end‑effectors utilize large‑area enveloping gripping combined with a modular auxiliary support configuration to help maintain cell levelness and prevent bending or misalignment during these operations.
FPC/CCS Component Handling and Assembly
For processes involving the pickup and placement of FPC/CCS components onto cells or modules for operations such as laser welding, these components are thin, flexible, and feature uneven surfaces with nickel tabs and solder joints. SRT's soft robotic end‑effectors provide non‑destructive, gentle clamping to achieve stable pickup and precise placement.
Solid‑State Battery Handling and Precision Inspection
For processes such as precision stacking of electrodes and electrolyte membranes, and tab alignment in solid‑state battery manufacturing, the challenge stems from the brittleness of sulfide and oxide electrolyte membranes, which are hard and sensitive to mechanical stress. SRT's soft robotic end‑effectors, with their adaptive dynamic deformation capability, are able to "follow" the movement when compressed. In these operations, they can assist in sorting and positioning the membranes before and after stacking, providing a promising application approach to mitigate the risk of cracking in brittle materials.
【Sodium‑Salt Battery Gripping with Dexterous Fingers】
Taking all the above application scenarios into account, SRT's soft robotic end‑effectors offer multiple noteworthy value potentials in battery cell manufacturing, and demonstrate irreplaceable advantages:
1
Material and Design Advantages
SRT's soft robotic end‑effectors, using specialized silicone and bio‑inspired design, do not scratch battery surfaces or pierce aluminum‑plastic films, enabling damage‑free gripping. In precision steps like hot‑pressing and dimensional measurement, high repeatability and constant force control reduce internal damage from clamping fluctuations. The materials also resist wear, heat, and chemicals, avoiding short‑circuit risks. They are particle‑free and non‑contaminating, suitable for cleanroom environments.
2
Application Advantages
A single end‑effector accommodates cells of different sizes within the same family, eliminating changeovers. It also handles large form tolerances, covering applications from micro‑batteries to large modules, and supports high‑mix, low‑volume flexible production.
【Lithium Battery Cell Insertion with Dexterous Fingers – A Showcase】
This article, based on frontline industry feedback and public technical data, explores the feasibility of bionic dexterous end‑effectors in battery cell manufacturing. SRT offers a wide range of such products to match different battery types and process needs. If you face gripping challenges in cell handling or assembly, feel free to contact us for further discussion.