Start-up battery technology company Intecells is accelerating the industrialization of its revolutionary plasma-based electrode manufacturing technology thanks to investment from robotics and automation specialists Comau.
This development strengthens the existing collaboration, and Comau acquiring a stake in Intecells will enable the two companies to validate the technology with customers and integrate it as a turnkey solution within existing cell production lines.
Intecells’ proprietary, low energy, atmospheric plasma technology overcomes current production bottlenecks in cell manufacturing imposed by filling cells with electrolyte. The plasma alters the electrodes’ surface properties to accelerate absorption, reducing cycle times, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. It also enables dry-coating of electrodes, eliminating toxic solvents and binders together with the inherently wasteful and carbon-intensive drying process. As well as improving manufacturing efficiency, the two firms are also focused on improving cell capacity, cycle life, and production quality across a range of form factors and chemistries.
Xiaohong Gayden, founder and CEO of Intecells, said: “We are grateful to Comau for their support and belief in Intecells’ vision. this investment marks the beginning of a strong partnership that will help us expand faster, innovate further, and deliver greater value to our customers.”
“This new initiative reflects our broader commitment to investing in innovation as a driver of sustainable growth,” affirmed Comau CEO, Pietro Gorlier. “In fast-moving sectors like electric mobility, where companies face pressure to optimize both product and production costs, it’s essential to combine technological excellence with operational agility. Our work with Intecells demonstrates how we’re advancing smart, scalable solutions that can be integrated into new and existing battery cell lines. applied to new or existing manufacturing environments. At the same time, it strengthens our footprint in the United States, supporting our ability to operate effectively on a global level while responding more rapidly to local market needs.”
Existing methods for making electrodes are decades old and have only seen incremental improvements since their inception: a completely new approach is needed. Intecells’ strategic roadmap to revolutionising the battery industry is revenue-focused, delivering a source of inward investment to enable the creation of the products and solutions that industry needs today, while working toward the ultimate goal of affordable mass-produced solid-state batteries.
This pragmatic, customer-focused business model is a clear differentiator from other start-ups looking to disrupt the battery industry. The strengthened collaboration with Comau, which has world-class expertise in automation and robotics and is a leading provider of best-practice technologies within the electrification field, will help to accelerate the validation and commercialization of Intecells’ plasma technology.
