- Honeywell will deploy its AI-driven battery manufacturing automation platform at a new research facility in Alabama.
- The initiative aims to support domestic battery production capabilities and develop a skilled workforce.
Honeywell has announced that its Honeywell Battery Manufacturing Excellence Platform will be integrated into a new battery research laboratory at the University of Alabama through a collaboration with the Alabama Mobility and Power (AMP) Center. The initiative represents a step toward strengthening domestic battery manufacturing capabilities as demand for electric vehicles and energy storage technologies continues to accelerate.
The artificial intelligence-enabled platform is designed to enhance manufacturing efficiency, increase battery cell yield, and shorten the startup time required for new production facilities. At the Alabama facility, the system will function as the primary automation environment for pilot battery manufacturing operations while also providing hands-on learning opportunities for engineers and students.
AI-Driven Manufacturing Platform for Battery Production
The automation system will guide manufacturers in optimizing production processes and scaling battery output to meet growing market demand. By combining industrial automation with advanced data analytics, the platform supports consistent process control and improved operational performance.
Battery production involves complex steps that require precise control over materials, coatings, and assembly processes. AI-supported automation tools allow manufacturers to monitor these steps in real time, helping identify inefficiencies and maintain stable production conditions.
Improving Production Efficiency
The technology focuses on improving multiple aspects of battery manufacturing operations, including:
- Increasing battery cell production yield
- Reducing commissioning time for new battery plants
- Optimizing manufacturing process control
- Providing data-driven insights for operational improvements
These capabilities are expected to help manufacturers move from pilot-scale testing toward large-scale battery production more efficiently.
New Pilot Battery Production Facility
The AMP Center battery research laboratory is scheduled to open during the second quarter of 2026. The facility is expected to become one of the first pilot battery production environments available for external organizations seeking to test and refine battery manufacturing techniques.
Companies will be able to validate their production processes before committing to full-scale industrial deployment. This testing environment is intended to reduce risks associated with large manufacturing investments while accelerating commercialization timelines.
Industry, Academic, and State Collaboration
Mike Oatridge, Executive Director of the AMP Center, noted that the project supports Alabama's broader automotive and technology ecosystem. The collaboration is intended to connect academic research, private industry, and public initiatives focused on economic development and electrification technologies.
The center aims to support applications such as electric mobility infrastructure, battery energy storage systems, and power delivery technologies designed to strengthen grid stability.
Electrode Manufacturing Partnership
As part of the initiative, Honeywell is collaborating with FOM Technologies to address electrode manufacturing processes within the automation platform. Electrode production is one of the most technically demanding steps in battery manufacturing, requiring strict control over material formulation and coating uniformity.
The partnership between Honeywell, FOM Technologies, and the AMP Center seeks to deliver an integrated automation framework that supports end-to-end battery manufacturing operations. The Honeywell Battery Manufacturing Excellence Platform is expected to contribute to safer and more consistent battery production for automotive manufacturers and energy storage providers.
Developing the Future Battery Workforce
A major objective of the project is workforce development. Engineers and students working at the facility will gain direct experience with industrial automation systems used in modern battery production environments.
This training component reflects growing recognition that scaling battery manufacturing requires both advanced equipment and a technically skilled workforce capable of operating complex automated systems.
The AMP Center positions itself as a research and development hub for mobility and power technologies in the United States, bringing together industry partners, universities, and government initiatives to accelerate innovation in electrified transportation and energy systems.
As the United States continues efforts to strengthen domestic battery supply chains, initiatives like this research collaboration are expected to play an important role in preparing the workforce and technologies needed for large-scale battery production.
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