What if robots could dismantle spent EV batteries in a fraction of the time it takes humans? That's exactly what cylib GmbH is poised to achieve with its innovative AuBa@C project, which has secured €600,000 in funding.

Set to run from September 2024 to September 2027, the groundbreaking AuBa@C initiative promises to slash battery disassembly times from two hours to just 30 minutes using collaborative robots. Potentially revolutionizing the economics of battery recycling.

Automation at the heart of sustainability

The AuBa@C project (Automation of Battery Disassembly using Advanced Hardware and Software for Battery Recycling) represents a major leap in battery recycling technology. At its core, the project focuses on developing a prototype that combines advanced hardware and software for the semi-automated disassembly of battery packs using collaborative robots.

"This project addresses one of the most challenging aspects of battery recycling: the time-consuming and labor-intensive disassembly process," explains Sara Ognjanovic, Project Manager for the AuBa@C project at cylib. "By automating this critical step, we're not only improving efficiency but also enhancing workplace safety and reducing operational costs."

The ambitious goal is to reduce disassembly time dramatically from approximately two hours to just 30 minutes per battery pack. This efficiency gain will translate to significant cost savings and increased processing capacity.

Technical innovation

The technical scope of the project is comprehensive, covering everything from hardware setup to software implementation. Key components include the identification and manipulation of various battery assemblies, workplace and tool safety systems, and algorithms for generating and arranging disassembly and discharge actions.

Dr. Stefan-Octavian Bezrucav, Head of Preprocessing at cylib, emphasizes the innovative nature of the approach: "The future of electromobility lies not only in driving but also in the sustainable management of battery technologies. Our project for automated non-destructive disassembly of EV batteries with collaborative robots marks a significant step towards efficient recycling processes."

European and regional support

The AuBa@C project is being supported by both the European Union and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the "Grüne Gründungen.NRW" funding competition. This initiative aims to strengthen the innovation potential of green startups in the region, with a particular focus on the circular economy and resource management.

"As Project Manager, I'm excited to see this level of support for our vision," notes Ognjanovic. "This funding recognition validates our approach and will accelerate our development timeline. It's a testament to the importance of battery recycling in building a sustainable future for electromobility."

Short and long-term impact

In the immediate term, the project will deliver a better understanding of subsystems and their deficiencies and advantages, integration of subsystems into a more efficient and safer disassembly and discharge process, and further development of innovative subsystems. This will provide cylib with a competitive advantage and help establish its market position.

Looking further ahead, Dr. Bezrucav is optimistic about the broader implications: "This technology will support the continued development of our industrial line, generate new insights, optimize existing processes, and prepare for the development of new technologies and methods. Ultimately, we're ensuring that the latest innovations are integrated into our industrial operations."

This project is supported by the “Grüne Gründungen.NRW” funding initiative, under the framework of the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE/JTF NRW 2021-2027), coordinated by the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Transport of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Project Management Agency Jülich (PtJ). Our project partner is IGMR - RWTH Aachen University.

About cylib

cylib is a company dedicated to holistic and sustainable battery recycling. Its end-to-end process, developed through years of research at RWTH Aachen University, is characterized by the efficient, resource- and climate-friendly recovery of valuable raw materials such as lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, and manganese from battery packs, black mass, or production scrap. By reintroducing sustainably sourced raw materials, cylib enables a true circular economy and resilient European supply chains. The company was founded in 2022 in Aachen by Dr. Lilian Schwich, Paul Sabarny, and Dr. Gideon Schwich and employs over 100 people.

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