Comau and Ilika for Goliath batteries mass production

Comau UK and Ilika plc, a pioneer in solid-state battery technology, are
collaborating on a 12-month Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) funded project,
to design the scale up of Ilika’s lab-based manufacturing capacity. The
initial aim is to increase the production of Ilika’s solid-state battery
cells from 1kWh per week to 10kWh per week at its pilot facility. Comau will
also conduct a feasibility study of the customer’s Goliath solid state
technology process and will design a manufacturing strategy that can be
cost-effectively scaled to reach mass production levels.

The project, which highlights Comau’s continued investments in the
electrification sector, leverages the industrial automation leader’s more
than 45 years of expertise in automation and digitalization technologies. As
Goliath is a next-generation technology, Comau will apply its robust design
capability and battery competencies to propose an innovative solution that
responds to the unique requirements of the project.

Thanks to its facility in the UK, Comau offers the added value of delivering
a seamless, barrier-free, intra-continental customer experience every step
of the way. Furthermore, Comau’s approach to smart automation will allow the
company to select and source the optimal combination of systems that can
meet aggressive throughput and time to market goals. Another important
aspect of the project is its replicability. With Comau’s international
network spanning 14 countries, Comau is able to design a standardized
solution that can be easily reproduced around the world.

“We are honored to be working with Ilika to bridge the gap between prototype
manufacturing and commercial production of next-generation batteries,”
emphasized John Coombes, Managing Director, Comau UK. “Our progressive
approach to simultaneous engineering along with Comau’s cutting-edge
solutions and investments further strengthen our ability to speed
development of promising new technologies.”

Graeme Purdy, CEO of Ilika, added, “Comau is a leader in industrial
automation and plant design with a strong track record in the battery
industry. This project represents an exciting opportunity to work with
Comau’s experts in designing a robust and scalable manufacturing strategy
for our Goliath solid state batteries.”

About Comau
Comau, a member of Stellantis, is a worldwide leader in delivering advanced
industrial automation products and systems. Its portfolio includes
technology and systems for electric, hybrid and traditional vehicle
manufacturing, industrial robots, collaborative and wearable robotics,
autonomous logistics, dedicated machining centers and interconnected digital
services and products able to transmit, elaborate and analyze machine and
process data. With over 45 years of experience and a strong presence within
every major industrial country, Comau is helping manufacturers of all sizes
in almost any industry experience higher quality, increased productivity,
faster time-to-market and lower overall costs. The company’s offering also
extends to project management and consultancy, as well as maintenance and
training for a wide range of industrial segments. Headquartered in Turin,
Italy, Comau has an international network of 7 innovation centers, 5 digital
hubs, 8 manufacturing plants and employs more than 9,000 people in 14
countries. A global network of distributors and partners allows the company
to respond quickly to the needs of customers, no matter where they are
located throughout the world. Through the training activities organized by
its Academy, Comau is also committed to developing the technical and
managerial knowledge necessary for companies to face the challenges and
opportunities of Industry 4.0.
www.comau.com