Italian automation firm Comau has entered into a strategic partnership with US-based battery technology company Intecells to explore the industrial integration of cold plasma in battery cell manufacturing, the companies said on Monday. The collaboration targets solvent-free and binder-free production processes aimed at improving both efficiency and sustainability.
The move follows Intecells’ development of a patented cold plasma application that offers a potentially disruptive route for battery producers. The technology is designed to reduce cycle times and energy use in soaking and drying stages, while improving cell performance and consistency across various formats and chemistries.
“Our collaboration with Intecells marks a pivotal step in redefining how battery cells are manufactured,” said Gian Carlo Tronzano, Head of Comau’s Battery Cell Global Competence Center and of P&E e-Mobility. “We are working to deliver a practical path for integrating next-generation plasma processes into existing production lines.”
Cold plasma’s potential benefits include enhanced battery capacity, improved cycle life, and more consistent product quality. The companies plan to validate the technology through scalable manufacturing trials before seeking broader adoption.
“Intecells’ partnership with Comau gives us the means to accelerate development,” said Xiaohong Gayden, Founder and CEO of Intecells. “It will revolutionize the way battery cells are manufactured and support our customers globally.”
Comau remains actively involved in several European battery initiatives, including the recycling-focused Reinforce project and the FASTEST cell manufacturing program. The new partnership is expected to support Comau’s goal of advancing flexible and low-emission battery production technologies.