KUKA designing CO2-neutral battery assembly system for Valmet Automotive in Finland

KUKA is designing a CO2-neutral assembly system for battery systems in Uusikaupunki, Western Finland, for automotive supplierValmet Automotive. With the system, Valmet Automotive will be setting new standards in energy efficiency relying on the expertise of KUKA Systems.

With this major order for KUKA, Valmet Automotive is investing extensively in the sustainable production of battery systems for electric vehicles. The start of production with the modern system is scheduled for the second half of 2023.

In addition to KUKA robots for process handling, the Augsburg-based automation specialist is also installing friction stir welding systems and equipment for end-of-line testing in the assembly line. In the plant, resource-saving pro-cesses and programming optimized for sustainability, such as the "sleep mode", help to save energy. Valmet Automotive trusts in a partnership with KUKA because of their holistic design, planning and implementation of ambi-tious systems.

Gerald Mies, CEO KUKA Systems GmbH, said: "In order to plan and integrate this modern battery system, we not only use our experience in battery assembly, but also KUKA's broad portfolio of services. Being able to offer the customer everything from a single source was a decisive aspect in the award of this major contract. Another decisive criterion was the issue of energy consumption. We are pleased to set new standards here with KUKA's comprehensive expertise and to support Valmet Automotive in the sustainable production of e-vehicles."

Valmet Automotive emphasized the benefits of the partnership with KUKA. Jyrki Nurmi, SVP of Electric Vehicle Systems, Valmet Automotive, added: "Valmet Automotive is committed to helping shape the mobility of the future and to promoting sustainability from the very beginning of all our operations. In KUKA Systems, we have a partner who will tackle our challenges together with us."