New learning factory planned for circular battery cell production
Responsible use of materials and energy will be a key success factor for the German battery industry. In order to equip skilled workers and students with the necessary knowledge in a practical setting, a consortium has developed a new learning factory at Technische Universität Braunschweig as part of the LEBAZ project. The opening is planned for 26 June 2026.
Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) with around 3.6 million euros and supported by funds from the university, a specialised teaching and learning environment has been developed. Led by the Institute for Machine Tools and Manufacturing Technology (IWF) and the Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT), the project involves a broad consortium of other TU Braunschweig institutes, Fraunhofer IST and other partners.
Practical learning about how the circular economy works
Based on the concept of cyber-physical production systems, LEBAZ combines real production processes with virtual elements. In the learning factory, cylindrical battery cells can be manufactured using lithium iron phosphate as the cathode material, which is a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to nickel- and cobalt-based cathode materials. Digital models, data analyses and virtual processes are employed to impart an in-depth understanding of closed material cycles.
Specialisations in battery technology, plant and process engineering, energy and resource efficiency, and digitalisation can be acquired in the new learning factory. Additionally, the learning factory serves as a test environment where knowledge from research can be transferred directly into industrial practice.
Who is this offer aimed at?
The new infrastructure is aimed at skilled workers on the one hand and students on the other, who gain extensive insights into circular battery cell production through lectures, seminars, laboratories or student projects. In addition, the target group also includes experts who wish to specialise in specific subject areas.
Part of a comprehensive learning factory
The infrastructure created by LEBAZ is part of the Education Lab at the Battery LabFactory Braunschweig (BLB) and is also integrated into the existing “learning factory”. This comprises another production system with practical learning stations, including the investigation of assembly processes using a remote-controlled car, a “nerve centre” for data analysis, and areas for testing new technologies such as driverless transport systems or human-robot collaboration.
Project profile
- Project: LEBAZ – Learning Factory for Circular Battery Cell Production
- Funding: BMFTR (03XP0479)
- Funding volume: 3.673 million euros
- Project partners: Institute for Machine Tools and Manufacturing Technology (IWF), Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT), TU Braunschweig
- Duration of the LEBAZ concept project: 1 September 2022 to 31 December 2025