FULL-MAP – Accelerating battery innovation for a sustainable future

Batteries play a central role in reducing CO₂ emissions in transportation, energy, and industry. However, the development of new battery materials is still a lengthy process. It is usually based on classic trial-and-error methods that often take over a decade. To accelerate these processes, new approaches are needed that intelligently combine digital technologies and automation.

This is precisely where the European research project FULL-MAP comes in. The aim is to develop a fully integrated, AI-supported platform for accelerating material and interface development that simulates, digitalises and automates the entire battery development process – from material development to cell testing. The use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, automated synthesis and high-throughput characterization is expected to take battery development to a new technological level.

Innovation for a new generation of batteries

FULL-MAP is taking a holistic approach to drastically reducing the time from material discovery to the deployment of next-generation batteries. The key project objectives are:

• Building an interoperable data framework for the structured collection, use and reuse of information on battery materials and interfaces.
• Development of adaptable design and simulation tools that use artificial intelligence and machine learning methods to derive suitable material structures and configurations from target specifications such as specific material properties, thereby accelerating complex simulation processes across multiple physical scales.
• Further development of analysis methods and automation of high-throughput characterisation modules and technologies for fast, reliable and scalable analysis of battery materials and interfaces.
• Development of AI-controlled autonomous synthesis robots to efficiently synthesise, test and further develop novel materials through data-driven iterations.
• Strengthening the European research and innovation system and market positioning of the EU in the field of batteries through international cooperation and knowledge dissemination.

AIT: Key role in data management, modelling and simulation

The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is a central research partner in the project and contributes its extensive expertise in the areas of data management, modelling, simulation and digitalization.

A particular focus is on the structuring and standardization of the research data generated in the project. AIT develops concepts and supports the dissemination of standardisation guidelines for the efficient collection, storage and sharing of data – always with a view to transparency, quality and interoperability. The aim is to establish a robust data infrastructure that facilitates the exchange between all relevant stakeholders and supports the transfer of knowledge in the long term. AIT will also contribute to the creation of a comprehensive Data Management Plan, which will include transparent governance structures for data ownership, access, and usage. These measures ensure that data management within the FULL-Map project is efficient, standardized, compliant with EU regulations, and structured to promote seamless research collaboration.

In addition, AIT is working on electrical and thermal modelling of battery cells to accurately predict their performance in early development phases. These models serve as a basis for defining requirements for different applications and for targeted evaluation of new cell concepts. Furthermore, AIT is developing automated methods for parameterising battery models that are validated using experimental data – for greater accuracy and reliability.

AIT, as leader of the data management work package, lays the foundation for the development of the platform to accelerate materials and interfaces. AIT also supports the selection of suitable storage technologies in the area of data security and platform integration and ensures smooth collaboration across technical, institutional and national borders.