Battery systems are the backbone of our electrified future—from EVs to grid storage. But building them safely? That’s a high-stakes challenge.

Automated battery production lines must meet all the usual safety requirements, but the stakes are much higher when you’re dealing with partially charged cells.

As Ulrich Hochrein, Head of Safety Engineering at EDAG Production Solutions, explained, “Errors in the production technology can be far more critical because the battery cells or battery elements pose additional fire and explosion hazards.” Even a minor slip by a robot can trigger a dangerous chain reaction known as thermal runaway.

It’s not just about fire. Damaged cells can release toxic or carcinogenic substances, putting workers and entire facilities at risk. When things go wrong, the fallout can shut down entire production halls and require costly decontamination.