BMW says new AI models can cut battery cell production time and material use by over 50% in key process steps.
BMW Group says new AI models developed with the University of Zagreb can cut material use and production time in battery cell manufacturing by more than 50 percent in some process steps.The automaker said the “Insight” research project is focused on improving battery cell production across the full value chain, from electrode manufacturing to end-of-line testing and direct recycling.
The project combines existing test results with live production data to predict battery cell process parameters and performance. BMW says that can reduce the number and duration of costly test runs while maintaining or improving quality.The work is being carried out at BMW’s Battery Cell Competence Centre in Munich, where the company develops cells for future generations of high-voltage EV batteries.Smarter factory testingBattery cell development typically requires repeated test series that consume raw materials, occupy production lines, and use laboratory capacity. BMW says the AI system can shorten that cycle by forecasting outcomes earlier.That could become important as automakers race to scale EV battery output while lowering production costs and reducing waste.The company also says the models may help remove another bottleneck after manufacturing. Once cells receive their initial charge, they are often stored for a defined period under controlled temperatures before being installed into battery housings.BMW refers to this holding phase as “quarantine.” It requires storage space and adds time before final assembly. The company says its AI systems can analyze battery cells in advance, potentially eliminating the step in the future.If successful at scale, that could speed battery pack production while reducing warehouse requirements inside factories.Beyond one factoryBMW launched the project in 2024 with the Croatian University of Zagreb’s Regional Centre of Excellence for Robotic Technology.Students and doctoral researchers are organizing production data and building models that detect patterns tied to quality, cost and output.“We are working on scaling the newly developed AI models from the prototype environment,” said Christian Siedelhofer, head of Technology Development Lithium-Ion Battery Cells at the BMW Group.“We are also examining to what extent these models are suitable for additional use cases within our production network.”BMW says the partnership also serves as a talent pipeline for future battery and AI specialists.“Our joint project gets doctoral candidates and students interested in AI and battery cells and the exciting work we do at our Battery Cell Competence Centres,” said Stefan Kerscher, head of Technology Development Battery Cells at the BMW Group.“We are delighted when young talents decide to embark on a career with our company.”BMW has concentrated its battery operations across sites in Munich, Parsdorf and Salching. Munich focuses on research and development, Parsdorf handles near-series cell manufacturing, and Salching supports recycling through BMW’s direct recycling process.The announcement did not disclose what specific AI models are being used or when full industrial deployment could begin.
Battery Cells Battery Production BMW EV Batteries Factory Automation Recycling University Of Zagreb
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