Contributed Commentary by Eric Symon, Smart Manufacturing at Panasonic Connect
October 25, 2024 | The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating. It is projected to account for 35% of new car sales globally by 2025. As a result, the battery manufacturing sector is undergoing a transformative shift.
The U.S. is not only expanding existing factories but also building new facilities to meet this surging demand for batteries. This transition is also increasingly reliant on automation, which is key to improving efficiency, enhancing quality, and closing the skills gap within the workforce.
Expanding Factories and Building New Facilities
The U.S. is witnessing a boom in battery manufacturing, driven by federal support, the burgeoning EV market, and the increasing desire to make more environmentally conscious products. Major automakers and tech companies are investing billions to expand existing factories and construct new ones. For instance, Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada continues to expand, serving as a critical hub for battery production. As this battery manufacturing push continues, technologies that enable digital manufacturing are even more critical to deploy into new and existing factories. With capacity for battery manufacturing output set to increase, digital manufacturing solutions help optimize material use, improve production quality, and increase overall equipment effectiveness.
Digital manufacturing solutions designed specifically for electric vehicle battery manufacturers enhance product quality but also accelerate the production pace necessary to meet market demands. Specifically, digital manufacturing solutions for battery manufacturing must handle the precise control over electrode coating and the critical formation process to ensure that each complex production step meets stringent quality standards. This technology also helps EV battery manufacturers limit scrap and reduce waste, both important considerations in a highly dynamic supply chain.
Creating a Tech-Forward Workforce
Whether you manufacture batteries for EVs or are responsible for assembling the vehicles, having a skilled workforce is more crucial than ever. The challenge lies in bridging the skills gap as traditional manufacturing roles evolve into tech-oriented positions and digital transformation solutions redefine the factory floor.
Right now, technology is needed to optimize, speed up, and automate manufacturing processes. But what many manufacturers don’t realize is that this is also a selling point for young professionals who want to work in a tech-forward industry. So, rather than looking at automation to stabilize and optimize the current workforce, it’s important to look at technology as a recruiting tool that elevates manufacturing and brings in the next generation of industry talent.
Experience with technologies like robotics, data analysis software, and other advanced solutions equip workers with the skills needed for today’s automated environments. But that education gap won’t happen overnight. So, manufacturers need to make sure that whatever solutions they deploy today are easy to install, built to scale, and simple to configure. Cloud-based digital manufacturing solutions that feature low-code or no code applications are a good example of a digitization initiative that streamlines deployment while making manufacturing a more attractive proposition for the future.
Modernizing Operations and Supply Chain Visibility
The move toward automation is leading manufacturers to modernize operations, particularly in how they manage and control the supply chain. By integrating smart technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data analytics, manufacturers are achieving unprecedented levels of visibility across their operations.
IIoT-enabled devices can track every step of the manufacturing process in real-time, providing data that can be used to optimize workflows, manage inventory, and predict maintenance needs. This level of visibility is crucial in a landscape where supply chain disruptions can lead to significant delays and increased costs. By harnessing data analytics, manufacturers can make informed decisions, proactively address issues, and ensure that production schedules align with market demands.
Furthermore, automated systems enable better coordination among suppliers and manufacturers. Real-time data sharing helps all parties involved in the supply chain to respond swiftly to changes in demand, ensuring that materials are available when needed. This agility is particularly important in the context of EV battery production, where the demand for specific materials, like lithium and cobalt, can fluctuate dramatically.
The Future of EV Battery Manufacturing
As the U.S. continues to ramp up its EV battery production, the integration of automation will be a cornerstone of success. By expanding facilities and modernizing operations, manufacturers can meet growing demand while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. The focus on retaining and recruiting talent will also play a critical role in ensuring that the workforce is equipped to handle the complexities of an automated environment.
The future of EV battery manufacturing is bright, driven by innovation, technological advancements, and human power. As the industry evolves, the strategic implementation of automation will not only enhance production capabilities but also position the U.S. as a leader in the global EV market.
Eric Symon is Head of Sales, Smart Manufacturing at Panasonic Connect North America. Eric has held executive positions at market-leading software and professional services companies delivering value through digital transformation to customers in industries including manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and retail. Eric holds a B.S. from the Pennsylvania State University. He can be reached at Eric.Symon@us.panasonic.com.
