Global
A state-of-the-art robot specifically designed for operation in enclosed spaces is currently being deployed at BASF Battery Materials and Recycling Schwarzheide GmbH. The robot monitors rotating equipment to detect faults in moving parts at an early stage and prevent failures. This reduces the workload for the operating and monitoring personnel required in the plant while optimising maintenance activities.
The images captured by the robot are analysed using computer vision and translated into actionable recommendations. The technology automatically identifies patterns, anomalies, and potential defects that often remain invisible to the human eye. By leveraging computer vision, even the smallest changes in components, surfaces, or movement patterns can be detected at an early stage.
This enables a more precise assessment of equipment condition and provides reliable decision-making support in real time. The result is an intelligent combination of data collection, analysis, and actionable recommendations that sustainably enhances process safety and equipment availability.
While the requirements and applications of the robots vary widely, their benefits are similar. Robots can operate around the clock and take over physically demanding and repetitive tasks that would otherwise place a long-term ergonomic strain on employees. This helps optimise workflows and reduces the workload of the employees.
Real-time feedback
The entire deployment of the robots is digitally connected: process data is continuously collected, analysed, and monitored. If deviations or potential process issues occur, the system reports them in real time. This allows problems to be identified early and resolved quickly, contributing to greater process stability, improved efficiency, and consistently high product quality.
We flexibly adapt robotic solutions to meet a wide range of customer requirements. From the initial assessment and customised solution design to the successful integration into existing processes, we support our customers every step of the way. By leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and continuously optimising performance, we create future-ready systems that evolve with changing requirements and help secure long-term competitive advantages. This enables our customers to make their industrial operations safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
Robotics will play an increasingly important role in the automation of industrial processes in the years ahead. At the Smart Solutions business unit of BASF InfraService & Solutions Lausitz GmbH, these technologies are being implemented in close collaboration with customers, while new use cases are continuously identified, developed, and put into practice.
The goal is to adapt robotic solutions flexibly to a wide range of requirements and deploy them across diverse application areas. Potential use cases include logistics and warehouse operations, equipment monitoring, maintenance and inspection tasks, as well as the handling of sensitive materials.
By combining intelligent sensors, digital connectivity, and self-learning systems, robots will become even more autonomous and capable of supporting processes more efficiently in the future. This is paving the way for innovative solutions that help companies make their operations safer, more cost-effective, and more sustainable.
By deploying a specialised robot for the continuous monitoring of rotating equipment components, we significantly increase transparency regarding the condition of critical assets. This enables the early detection of potential faults, helps prevent unplanned downtime, and substantially reduces consequential damage. At the same time, we reduce reliance on manual inspections, minimise potential sources of error, relieve personnel of routine monitoring tasks, and make our maintenance activities more efficient and demand-driven.
