Swiss researchers pioneer robot-assisted recycling for EV lithium-ion batteries

Swiss researchers, led by the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) under the CircuBAT project, have developed a pioneering robotic system to enhance the sustainable second life and recycling of electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion batteries. This innovation aims to close the loop between battery production, use, and recycling by automating the dismantling, sorting, and upcycling processes, which have traditionally been labor-intensive and hazardous. The system, designed at the Swiss Battery Technology Center (SBTC), uses precision robotics to safely separate battery modules and recover high-quality raw materials with minimal manual handling, thereby improving recycling efficiency and reducing environmental impact. In addition to recycling, the project introduced a “Battery Expert System” that analyzes aging patterns of thousands of cells to identify those suitable for repair or repurposing, enabling retired EV batteries to be reused as stationary energy storage systems for buildings or renewable energy grids. The researchers also developed automated dismantling methods, direct material recovery techniques, and novel electrode coatings that lower energy consumption