At the beginning of March, an exciting new initiative was launched with the KIBAD project (AI-based Battery Data Analysis), which we are actively supporting. Together with TechProtect and Konstanz University of Applied Sciences, we are working to elevate the use of battery data to a new level – with the goal of sustainably strengthening second-life applications and the circular economy.
The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and managed by VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH as the project sponsor.
A Joint Kick-off in Holzgerlingen
The official project launch took place on 1 March 2026. Together with the Konstanz University of Applied Sciences for Technology, Business and Design, under the scientific leadership of Prof. Johannes Reuter and our industry partner, TechProtect (Armin Kienle), we will be working on developing an AI-powered platform over the next two years.
Beyond getting to know each other personally, the meeting’s main focus was on aligning our shared goals.
The project is further supported by additional contributors from industry and research, including Anja Leskovjan, Taige Yang, Zekeriya Akgun, Salama Akli-Bichowski, and university students who are actively involved in implementation and research.
It quickly became clear that diverse perspectives are coming together here, united by a common goal to make battery data more usable.
Why Battery Data Is So Crucial
In many projects, we see that the potential of battery data is far from being fully utilised. This is exactly where KIBAD comes in.
The idea: a platform that uses both real-world field data and test data from battery cells to generate increasingly reliable results for battery cell data sheets via advanced algorithms. Using machine learning, factors such as charge cycles, capacity degradation, and thermal influences are analysed and continuously refined as more data becomes available.
The result:
- Realistic predictions of remaining useful life
- Well-founded assessment of the cell (State of Health, SOH)
- Decision support for recycling or reuse
- Data sheets for second-life applications of battery cells
From Isolated Data to Real Solutions
What makes KIBAD particularly exciting is a focus on open and interoperable data structures. Instead of isolated solutions, the goal is to build an infrastructure that can be used by a wide range of stakeholders – from manufacturers to recyclers.
This is becoming increasingly important considering growing regulatory requirements. Without reliable data, it will be increasingly difficult not only to ensure compliance but also to implement it efficiently. The aim is not just to meet regulatory standards but to actively exceed them through a data-driven approach and set new benchmarks for used battery cells.
Our Perspective on the Project
For us, KIBAD is more than just a research project. It represents a concrete step toward a circular economy that prioritises reuse over recycling, enabled by data analysis, to effectively moving higher up the waste hierarchy (Reduce – Reuse – Recycle – Disposal).
We contribute a practical perspective, particularly at the intersection of regulation, data, and operational implementation. Konstanz University of Applied Sciences brings a strong expertise in research and fuzzy algorithms. The shared goal is to develop solutions that are not only technologically sound but also market viable.
The project will run until February 2028. We will regularly share updates and insights along the way, from kick-off and initial results to concrete use cases.