BATERURGIA: Investigación en tecnologías avanzadas de reciclaje para la obtención de metales estratégicos de baterías de VEs

BATERURGIA is an industrial R&D project focused on the development of innovative recycling technologies for the recovery and valorisation of strategic raw materials contained in end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) from electric vehicles. The project addresses one of the most critical challenges facing the European battery value chain: securing sustainable access to critical raw materials while reducing environmental impact and dependence on external supply sources.

The project aims to develop advanced processes for the selective extraction and recovery of high-value metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and copper, enabling their reintroduction into new battery manufacturing processes and other industrial applications. Through the implementation of circular economy principles, BATERURGIA contributes to increasing resource efficiency, reducing waste generation, and strengthening the sustainability and resilience of the European battery ecosystem.

Within this framework, COVELESS played a key role in the development of advanced automation solutions for battery dismantling and component recovery. Leveraging its expertise in industrial automation, robotics, machine vision, and special-purpose machinery, COVELESS designed and implemented an automated system capable of safely and efficiently disassembling electric vehicle battery packs and modules prior to downstream recycling processes.

The developed solution covers several critical stages of the battery disassembly workflow, including:

• Automated battery pack positioning and opening.

• AI-based machine vision systems for battery identification and manipulation.

• Collaborative robotic solutions for battery component disassembly.

• Battery module testing and controlled discharge operations.

• Automated opening of battery module casings.

• Separation and classification of battery cells.

• Cell delamination processes for the recovery of valuable electrode materials and components.

By integrating advanced robotics, intelligent vision systems, and custom-designed mechanical equipment, COVELESS enabled the automation of traditionally labour-intensive and hazardous operations, improving process safety, traceability, efficiency, and material recovery rates.

The experience gained through BATERURGIA has positioned COVELESS as a technology provider with strong expertise in automated battery dismantling, battery recycling equipment, robotic disassembly systems, AI-based inspection technologies, and end-of-life battery valorisation processes. This know-how is directly applicable to future initiatives focused on battery recycling, critical raw material recovery, circular manufacturing, and sustainable energy storage value chains.

As the battery industry continues to expand across Europe, COVELESS remains committed to developing innovative industrial solutions that bridge the gap between advanced research and scalable manufacturing, supporting the transition towards a more circular and sustainable battery ecosystem.