In spring 2025, the Volvo Group will take the next step in developing sustainable drivetrains of the future by establishing a methods lab for battery assembly at the ASSAR Industrial Innovation Arena in Skövde. The methods lab creates new opportunities for collaboration between the University and Volvo.
Leif Pehrsson, CEO of IDC West Sweden AB, Peter Furhoff, Technical Director at Volvo Group Skövde, Ingi Jonasson, CEO of Science Park Skövde, and Magnus Holm, Senior Lecturer in Automation Engineering at the University of Skövde, in the premises where the new methods lab will be located. ASSAR Circular Labs will gain new space within ASSAR’s facilities.
Volvo’s initiative at ASSAR aims to develop and verify new methods, processes, and technologies for battery assembly and prototype manufacturing. For the University, the methods lab serves as a platform for research and education, allowing students and researchers at the University of Skövde to collaborate with Volvo to develop and test new battery assembly techniques. It also opens up opportunities for joint projects, degree projects, and skills development in electrification and sustainable vehicle production.
Developing the battery assembly of the future in Skövde
The methods lab is part of Volvo’s overall strategy for sustainable drivetrains and electrification, focusing on developing innovative assembly methods and strengthening battery technology expertise. By working closely with the University’s researchers, Volvo aims to find the best solutions for the future.
“ASSAR has played an important role in our development and will be a central part of our future. Through collaboration with academia and industry partners, we are creating an environment where we can experiment, analyse, and find the best solutions for battery assembly. This initiative not only strengthens our competitiveness but also reinforces Skövde’s position as a development centre in the industry,” says Peter Furhoff, Technical Director at Volvo Group Skövde.
Peter Furhoff displays a battery pack during assembly at the Volvo Group’s Skövde factory.
Collaboration that benefits society
In spring 2025, work will begin to adapt the spaces at the ASSAR Industrial Innovation Arena in Skövde to accommodate the methods lab.
“We view Volvo’s expansion at ASSAR positively and see many opportunities for the University in terms of education and knowledge exchange. Close cooperation between industry and academia is crucial to creating societal benefits and staying at the forefront of the green transition,” says Mikael Harlén, Head of the School of Engineering Science.
The Volvo Group looks forward to deepened collaboration with the University of Skövde, Science Park Skövde, and IDC West Sweden AB in the new methods lab.
“ASSAR is a fantastic catalyst for innovation and collaboration between academia and industry. Volvo’s increased presence through the methods lab is a clear example of how we are jointly creating an innovation environment where new technologies and methods can be developed, tested, and implemented. This investment not only contributes to Volvo’s success but also strengthens Skövde’s role as a leading hub for industrial innovation and electrification,” says Ingi Jonasson, CEO of Science Park Skövde.
“This is very positive news for Skaraborg’s industry that Volvo is investing in future solutions in collaboration with others at ASSAR. Volvo’s choice to invest in ASSAR means that many companies, organisations, and academia can work together to enhance the region’s competitiveness. It is truly a commendable initiative to advance industrial development by involving surrounding partners to build strength together,” says Leif Pehrsson, CEO of IDC West Sweden AB.
ASSAR – a platform for innovation and development
The initiators of the ASSAR Industrial Innovation Arena are the University of Skövde, IDC West Sweden AB, Science Park Skövde, the Volvo Group, Volvo Cars, and Aurobay. The collaboration platform was inaugurated in its physical form in 2018 and today offers skills development, workshops, networks, and seminars for the manufacturing industry in the region.
