wbk Institut für Produktionstechnik am Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)

In addition to research activities in the traditional fields of mechanical and plant engineering, the wbk focuses on the development of production technologies for key technologies such as electromobility. In doing so, the institute investigates how traditional manufacturing technologies and systems can be adapted to new materials and substances, how established processes can be optimized, and how immature processes can be refined. To this end, the potential of digitalization is consistently harnessed, and methods of artificial intelligence and machine learning are integrated into operational practice. The research facility combines excellent science with strong applied expertise to facilitate close, “hands-on” collaboration between researchers and industry representatives. Here, the focus is particularly on fuel cells, agile production, and battery recycling. The wbks facility at Camus Nord focuses on contributing to battery technology research through the development of production systems, process analysis, as well as process development and optimization, with the goal of developing and prototyping cost-effective production processes for lithium-ion cells and batteries. The primary focus is on the development and production of new materials and cells, as well as the development of batteries and their integration into a complete system. At the same time, new manufacturing processes for the cost-effective production of these batteries are being developed and demonstrated.

As a representative of an industrial company, a corporate group, or a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), do you want to deepen your knowledge of production processes, identify your company’s potential, or make processes more efficient? We have extensive expertise built up over many years through numerous collaborative projects with industry. In many cases, the challenges you face form the basis of our research into the production of the future.

Excerpts from our range of services:

• Analysis of automation potential in production and development of automation solutions
• Development of condition monitoring and predictive maintenance solutions for machines and components
• Analysis and implementation of Industry 4.0 and machine learning applications for production
• Development of processes and automation concepts, e.g., for electric mobility
• Potential analyses and technology consulting regarding the electromobility transformation process
• Prototype manufacturing and conducting test series on modern production lines
• Experimental analyses and simulation studies of machines, components, and processes