EV Battery Pack Assembly: De-Risking High-Precision Automation

Robot System Integration
Validation & Optimization via Digital Twin Strategy
Project type
Robot System Integration
Specific skills
Digital Twin Validation, Process De-Risking, Cycle Time Optimization, Virtual Commissioning, Asset Protection (Fanuc DCS), Adaptive Vision Systems (iRVision), High-Precision Motion Control, Industrial HMI & UX, Safety Compliance Strategy, Advanced Parametric Programming.

Intro

The Industrial Challenge:Automating the assembly of EV Battery Packages is one of the highest-risk operations in modern manufacturing. The materials are hazardous (Li-Ion), the components are fragile (3D-printed prototypes), and the tolerances are near-zero (-0mm / +3mm). A single collision or handling error doesn't just mean scrap—it means critical safety failures and line stoppage.

The Mission:In this project (WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Context), I engineered a fault-tolerant robotic cell capable of handling variable battery modules, performing high-precision sealing with Remote TCP, and adapting to chaotic part feeding without operator intervention.

My Role:Not just programming, but Full Process Validation. I used Digital Twin technology to stress-test the layout, cycle time, and collision risks before the physical build, ensuring 100% feasibility from Day 0.

THE DIGITAL TWIN ADVANTAGE

Why Simulation Saves Budget (The "Test Before Invest" Model)

Before touching the real robot, I built a 1:1 Digital Twin of the cell. This allowed me to:

  1. Validate Reachability: Confirmed the robot could reach all 15 battery slots without singularities.
  2. Optimize Cycle Time: Shaved off 15% of the cycle by smoothing corners (ACC60 logic) in the virtual environment.
  3. Eliminate Clash Risks: Verified all trajectories in a safe, virtual space.

The Bottom Line: When the physical integration started, the code was already validated. This is the core of my De-Risking Methodology.

THE DE-RISKING PROTOCOL

Asset Protection & Safety (DCS)

The Risk: In high-speed assembly, a robot moving at 100% speed can destroy expensive peripherals (cameras, I/O boards) in milliseconds.The Solution: I didn't just set "safe zones". I implemented Stop Prediction logic based on inertia analysis. By force-limiting speed based on payload weight (Dynamic Payload Checker), I guaranteed that the robot physically cannot crash into the vision system, even if the code commands it to. This is Hardware Insurance via software.

DCS Feature Images

Adaptive Process Control (iRVision)

The Risk: Rigid automation fails when parts arrive rotated or in unexpected orders. Retooling the line for every variation kills OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).The Solution: I designed an adaptive logic using iRVision with optimized ROI (Region of Interest).

  • Efficiency: Reduced snap-time by processing only relevant pixels (Smart Windowing).
  • Flexibility: The robot autonomously identifies, orients, and sorts modules without stopping the cycle. This transforms a "rigid cell" into a Smart Flexible System.
Vision Feature Images

Precision Process Validation (Remote TCP)

The Challenge: Applying sealant to a battery lid requires following a complex 3D contour with constant speed. Any hesitation creates bubbles (leakage risk).The Technical Edge: By using Remote TCP, I inverted the motion logic: the robot moves the part around the static tool tip.The Result: Perfect seam quality with -0mm tolerance. I utilized DISTANCE BEFORE logic to compensate for sealant gun latency, ensuring the bead starts exactly where the CAD model dictates.

Sealing Feature Images

Other projects

Let's work together!

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.