KRAFT2R

Contact Person (Coordinator)

Dr. Xavier Kohll

R3 Robotics

xavier@r3robotics.ai

What the project is about

Strategic dependence on raw material imports for key technologies of the energy transition (e.g., lithium-ion batteries) poses a growing supply risk. The goal of this project is to develop an autonomous, AI-supported robotic system for the mechanical disassembly of battery-powered consumer goods (e.g., from urban mobility) in order to reduce this dependency. Conventional recycling processes are often energy-intensive or result in significant material loss, while manual disassembly is associated with high costs, labor shortages, and considerable health risks (e.g., fire hazard).

The system to be developed is intended to achieve a defined level of disassembly regardless of the product, in order to feed components directly into high-quality mechanical recycling. This will unlock secondary raw materials, significantly improve the energy balance compared to pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes, and relieve people of dangerous tasks. The project thus promotes the circular economy, increases supply security, and drives innovative AI approaches for flexible automation.