Scania using ABB robots in new battery assembly plant

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Scania’s new facility is expected to be fully operational by 2023. | Source: ABB

ABB and Scania are collaborating on a 18,000-square-meter facility in Sweden. The electric vehicle battery assembly plant will use multiple ABB robots in the assembly process.

Scania is investing more than $108 million into the Södertälje plant, which is expected to be fully operational by 2023. The company produces electric heavy vehicles, and has a goal to enable the electrification of the entire industry. According to Scania, the new plant will be an important step towards that goal.

The plant will be located next to Scania’s chassis assembly plant in Södertälje, Sweden. ABB robots will be used to help assemble battery modules from cells, the modules will then be delivered directly to the vehicle assembly hall.

“The factory is designed in line with Scania’s efforts to be at the forefront of industrial digitalization, automation, and the use of advanced robotic technology to streamline production processes with increased flexibility,” Tony Persson, head of Scania’s battery assembly, said. “That is where the robots and solutions from ABB fit in. For Scania, the factory is also an investment that will further strengthen Sweden’s position as a hub for cutting-edge technology in the electrification of heavy vehicles, which is crucial in the transition to sustainable transport.”

ABB’s IRB 390, IRB 4600 and IRB 6700 robot models will be at work in the facility, among others. This is the first time the IRB 390 will be used in a battery production facility. The IRB 390 was designed for the packing industry, but is able to mount a contact plate in a battery every second.

“We are delighted to work with one of our longest-standing clients to help deliver their electrification roadmap,” Joerg Reger, managing director of ABB Robotics’ automotive business line, said. “The automotive industry has always been at the forefront of automation. But with the shift to electrification, it faces wholesale changes to established manufacturing processes. With our expertise, we will design and help implement the manufacturing flexibility that is vital for market leaders such as Scania in delivering this change.”

ABB and Scania have been working together for over 40 years on various projects. The two companies recently worked together to create charging solutions for electric heavy goods vehicles. Scania and ABB also collaborated on Scania’s Northvolt facility, Europe’s largest lithium-ion battery factory.

In January 2022, ABB announced a collaboration with HASCO, an automotive parts supplier in China. The two established a joint venture will expand the use of smart technologies and artificial intelligence within the industry.