Manuela Kessler14.04.2026Lohr am Main / Germany | PI 013/26
At IFAT 2026, Bosch Rexroth will show how the recycling of electric vehicle batteries can be efficiently scaled up
To minimize storage times and risks, the discharge and chemical deactivation of electric vehicle batteries are combined. Bosch Rexroth offers mobile and stationary discharge systems for this purpose. (Image source: Bosch Rexroth AG)
Rising volumes of end-of-life vehicle batteries and a wide variety of battery types pose a major challenge for operators of recycling facilities, which are currently often still small and rely on manual processes. For the economical recycling of electric vehicle batteries, facilities must become more scalable in the future and significantly increase their level of automation. At IFAT 2026, Bosch Rexroth will present its scalable comprehensive concept for future-proof battery recycling, which increases cost-effectiveness and process efficiency while reducing safety risks.
With the growing share of electric vehicles worldwide, the number of vehicle batteries that will reach the end of their service life in future also increases. Their volume is set to increase tenfold in the next five years alone. This heightens the urgency of developing strategies for cost-effective recycling, so that valuable raw materials can be reintegrated into the value chain. There are already numerous projects for this in Europe. However, the current recycling infrastructure consists mainly of small facilities that cannot handle these volumes economically. Another challenge is the wide variety of battery types in the field.
Building on its broad portfolio of drive and control technology, as well as assembly, linear motion, and tightening technology, Bosch Rexroth offers a comprehensive range of solutions for scaling and automation in battery recycling. To this end, the company applies established manufacturing principles to the specific requirements of disassembly and material recovery and implements automated processes that minimize human intervention during critical phases. Intelligent solutions for pre-treatment in recycling improve the quality of recycled materials and increase the recycling rate. This reduces safety risks while boosting process efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
As part of the diagnosis, the type and condition of the battery are first determined – a particular challenge with older batteries that don’t yet have a digital battery passport. A diagnostic system determines whether and how a battery pack can be safely discharged. Bosch Rexroth offers both a mobile and a stationary discharge system for this purpose. Components from linear, tightening, and assembly technology, as well as cobots, complement the solution portfolio for transport, handling, and disassembly, enabling both manual as well as semi- and fully automated concepts. All Rexroth solutions build on each another. Existing solutions can therefore generally be reused during an expansion or retrofit.
Bosch Rexroth will be presenting its overall concept for scaling battery recycling solutions at IFAT 2026 in hall B4, booth 452.
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile and Industrial Applications as well as Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions, engineering and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries, around 32,600 associates generated sales revenue of 6.5 billion euros in 2024.
Basic Information Bosch
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 417,900 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2024). According to preliminary figures, the company generated sales of 90.5 billion euros in 2024. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 470 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 86,900 associates in research and development, of which nearly 48,000 are software engineers.
The Bosch Rexroth operating system ctrlX OS is already well prepared for the requirements of the CRA and shows how manufacturing companies can future-proof themselves with this solution.
At LogiMAT, Bosch Rexroth will be showcasing open, flexible automation solutions for automated guided vehicles (AGV) and autonomous mobile robots (AMR).
