Fraunhofer IWU's Game-Changing Tech Speeds EV Component Dismantling
Fraunhofer IWU has developed a revolutionary technology that swiftly and efficiently locates and assesses screw connections, even in grimy or aged components. This innovation aims to streamline disassembly and remanufacturing processes for complex battery storage systems and electric motors, paving the way for largely automated and cost-effective dismantling.
The system, part of the 'Zirkel' project, employs a portal robot, machine vision, and AI algorithms to identify and loosen screw connections. It's adaptive, reducing changeover times, and uses standard stereo cameras for component-independent disassembly. This development is crucial due to increasing resource scarcity and geopolitical dependencies in recycling materials.
Electric motors in electric vehicles contain high proportions of sought-after metals like copper, aluminum, and rare earths such as neodymium. To tackle this, Fraunhofer IWU focused on the electric motor and developed an adaptive, robot-assisted system for loosening screw connections. A multi-stage disassembly workshop created detailed disassembly instructions for electric motor components. The project also tested and developed methods for the recovery and reuse of valuable neodymium magnets in electric motor rotors.
The 'Zirkel' project has demonstrated that design for recycling must be integral to product development to close circular loops technologically and economically. Fraunhofer IWU's innovative solution for screw connection disassembly is a significant step towards automated and economic dismantling of electric vehicle components, addressing the growing need for resource efficiency and sustainability.
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