Revolutionizing Photovoltaic Research with Autonomous Robotics
CoCreation Project SolMAP
With the SpinBot platform the startup SCIPRIOS has created a unique platform to automate spin coating or doctor blading, and characterization of thin functional films, especially for photovoltaic applications.
As part of the CoCreation project in Solar TAP scientists of HI ERN are developing materials and processes for printed electrodes now, which would enable the manufacture and characterization of fully functional solar cells on the SpinBot.
By coupling the SpinBot with a database and AI-algorithms SCIPRIOS and HI ERN are transforming the SpinBot into a full-fledged Materials Acceleration Platform (MAP) that can autonomously optimize Solar Cells.
Experimental spin coating robot setup from SCIPRIOS at HI ERN for the manufacturing of thin functional films from technical inks.
Project details
Key Achievements
The key achievement will be the materials and processes require for the deposition of the printed electrodes. The system will automatically log all metadata and save it through an API developed by SCIPRIOS to a database, which is linked with AI-driven optimization algorithms by HI ERN. This turns the SpinBot into an autonomous research platform that can optimize complete solar cells in highly complex parameter spaces spanned by material composition and process parameters.
Together with the Forschungszentrum Jülich business development the project is also used to evaluate and optimize technology transfer practices and to develop data-driven business models for Science.
Linking Science and Industry
SolMAP is a unique project intimately linking science and industry, each applying their expertise to create a unique product with immediate commercial applications. Only through the close interaction of Solar TAP scientists with SCIPRIOS engineers is such a fast development and transfer of results possible.
Future Outlook
Together, Solar TAP and SCIPRIOS will continue to develop standard operating procedures for the SpinBot and enable SCIPRIOS customers to produce state of the art solar cells – out of the box. This will generate a lot of research data in the future, and part of the challenge will be to determine how best to use this data to accelerate the development of printed photovoltaics.
Close-up of an automated wiping process utilized to enable contacting of the bottom electrode.
Close-up detail of automated ink deposition with a precision pipetting system mounted to the SpinBot.
Added Value
for the Industrial Partner
- Fast results through close interaction with Solar TAP experts
- Quick and unbureaucratic project start
- Immediate translation into added value for existing and new customers
for Research
- New research tools allowing for faster development
- Access to state-of-the-art hardware
- Direct exchange with SCIPRIOS engineers to guide the development process for new research tools
for Society
- Acceleration of the development of new functional materials
- Better utilization of research data
- CO2 savings through new PV-technologies
General overview of the SolMAP project and results.
Further Information
Participating industrial partners:
SCIPRIOS