Cimcorp enters EV battery market with end-to-end automated offering

Cimcorp, a global provider of robotic handling technologies, announced its entry into the electric vehicle (EV) battery industry with its end-to-end automated material handling offering for battery cell manufacturing.

The company said it utilizes the combined strengths of Cimcorp and its sister companies, Muratec and AGVE, to optimize material flow across gigafactories for greater production efficiency, product quality and workplace safety.

Demand for EV batteries continues to grow

Backed by Cimcorp’s deep integration experience, the companies said that this new offering will empower EV battery manufacturers to achieve long-term success in the fast-growing market.

“Demand for batteries is surging to support the EV revolution, putting immense pressure on manufacturers to increase output while maintaining product quality and safety standards,” said Veli-Matti Hakala, CEO of Cimcorp. “With decades of experience in the tire manufacturing and warehousing industries, Cimcorp is ready to apply our unparalleled expertise and proven technologies to address the unique challenges of gigafactory operations.” 

The new offering represents an integrated approach to material handling automation, uniting the technologies and cross-industry knowledge of Cimcorp, Muratec and AGVE, all members of the Murata Machinery Ltd. network.

It combines gantry robot technology, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and conveyor technology to manage the storage and transport of materials through key phases of battery production: slurry raw material handling, electrode manufacturing, cell assembly, formation and inspection, and warehousing and shipping. All systems are controlled by Cimcorp’s advanced WCS for speed, efficiency, accuracy and traceability. 

Cimcorp’s automated room temperature and high-temperature warehouses provide high-density storage for cells undergoing aging, while overhead gantry robots efficiently move batteries through multiple aging, charging, formation and testing processes according to predefined recipes.

The companies highlighted the following potential benefits of the gantry system for EV battery manufacturing:

• High throughput and quality: Automated handling minimizes errors and maximizes production efficiency
• Optimized layout: Gantry robots operate at an elevated level, preserving valuable floor space below for process machinery and operator tasks
• Flexible recipe management: The system adapts to changes in process recipes without the need to modify conveyor layouts
• Modularity & scalability: The adaptable offering can easily grow with production demands
• Safety: Automated handling reduces human contact with hazardous materials, while floor access allows emergency interventions if needed
• Reliability: Proven automation technology reduces risk and maximizes operational uptime

“Cimcorp is more than just a technology provider - we are a trusted systems integrator, managing every aspect of client projects from initial concept to completion and beyond,” Hakala said. “With a deep understanding of automation design, implementation and support, our team will ensure that battery manufacturers receive tailored solutions that align with their operational goals.”