Festo, which offers many products and solutions for manufacturing machines and systems, says it is continuing to broaden its expertise and resources to support the automotive industry's changing needs as it transforms from the internal combustion engine (ICE) towards electrification.

In particular, Festo is offering ‘coordinated solutions for the robust, safe and precise gripping and transport of battery cells’, along with ‘optimised machine safety and energy efficiency’.

“Producing battery modules is a complex process that involves assembling costly and potentially dangerous electrochemical elements. Their production poses new challenges to the industry, as it is essential to avoid damaging the battery cells during handling. In the last two years, we have invested heavily to cover all the requirements for EV production.”

Pete Rogers, national team manager for automotive at Festo GB, added: “We are already engaged with and supporting a range of gigafactory investments and subsequent projects for EV production, battery research and related infrastructure. Our specialist industry team is on hand to support the automation needs of this fast-growing sector.”

Ansgar Kriwet, a member of Festo’s management board for sales, said: “In 2020, 70% of Festo’s top projects in the automotive industry involved investments for electromobility. Over the next few years Festo expects significant double-digit percentage growth in this segment.”