ABB has announced that it will supply its robotics and automation technology to Exeger Operations to help scale up production of the Swedish company’s patented solar cell technology.
The partnership will enable Exeger to enhance the production quality of its photovoltaic material in its Stockholm factory and develop automation solutions for Exeger’s new fully-automated factory, which will process up to 10 times the annual production capacity of its current facility.
Exeger’s photovoltaic technology is unique in that it enables light-charging both outside in direct sunlight and in low or artificial light inside the home.
Exeger CEO Giovanni Fili said: “ABB’s unparalleled knowledge in automating factories and their portfolio of smart robotics solutions is a perfect fit for our ambitions to quickly scale up our solar cell manufacturing process.
“By fully automating production with ABB’s high-efficiency robots, we can lower the energy payback time of every solar cell produced, thereby helping people reduce their carbon footprint.”
The technology partnership consists of three projects. First, ABB is supplying its robotics and automation technology, including the IRB 1200 and IRB 910INV SCARA robots, to increase the level of automation in Exeger’s existing factory in Stockholm.
According to ABB, these products meet Exeger’s need for fast and repeatable point-to-point accuracy in manufacturing its light-charging material onto different and complex surfaces.
Second, ABB has created a dedicated engineering team in Sweden to assist Exeger in creating specialised solutions that will be developed for a new, state-of-the-art fully-automated factory in Sweden.
Third, ABB will evaluate the potential for Exeger’s solar cells to be incorporated into future ABB products. One example could involve utilising Exeger’s solar cell technology to power advanced sensors.
Dennis Helfridsson, head of ABB’s robotics and discrete automation business, and country manager for ABB in Sweden, said: “We are excited to be at the beginning of our journey with Exeger and look forward to the mutual benefits that our shared technologies and innovation will bring.”
