In February 2024, the AutoMat project officially started. This project, whose extended title is “Compliant and fully AUToMATed circular solutions for multiple battery and battery embedded device enhanced by digital solutions”, is funded under the Horizon Europe programme (GA 101138532). Coordinated by ERP Italia, it shows the relevant and large participation of the Mechanical Department of Politecnico di Milano, in particular of the research group led by Professor Marcello Colledani. It represents a holistic approach to address the challenges of Lithium-ion battery recycling and advance towards a sustainable circular economy for batteries in Europe.
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and sustainability, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the recycling of Lithium-ion batteries. As the demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions continues to soar, the need for efficient and eco-friendly battery recycling processes becomes increasingly unavoidable. Recognizing this urgent need, the AutoMat project emerges as a game-changer in the Lithium-ion battery recycling industry.
AutoMat is a collaborative effort involving 14 partners spanning across 6 EU Member States. Comprised of companies and SMEs with specialized knowledge in circular economy, batteries, and ICT, this ambitious initiative aims to transform the way we recycle batteries by introducing a target-driven circular economy approach.
At its core, AutoMat challenges the traditional linear value chains prevalent in the battery industry. Instead of relying on conventional "push" strategies to maximize material recovery through recycling processes, AutoMat advocates for a revolutionary "pull" system. This innovative approach entails determining the requirements for materials and components to be reused directly from the demand side. By aligning recycling efforts with the specific needs of end-users, AutoMat ensures that materials obtained through recycling are reusable in new batteries or devices, thereby closing the loop of the circular economy.
Key to AutoMat's objectives is the development of smart automated solutions for battery disassembly, sorting, and recycling. These cutting-edge solutions are designed to be flexible, robust, and compliant with regulatory frameworks, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability throughout the recycling process. Additionally, AutoMat places a strong emphasis on integrating digital tools and platforms for enhanced traceability, decision-making support, and process control, further boosting the effectiveness of battery recycling efforts. Two main alternative routes targeting respectively the re-use of sorted, in specification, battery grade material fractions and the re-use of battery cell/modules in second-life stationary and non-stationary applications will be investigated in three different industrial pilots.
AutoMat defines requirements, develops innovations, and rigorously validates solutions through industry-led battery pilots. Moreover, AutoMat remains committed to the widespread adoption and upscaling of its innovations by actively engaging with stakeholders, conducting extensive communication and dissemination activities, and refining business models for large-scale implementation in the European battery value chain.