Thanks to innovation and digitalization, Bebat strengthens its societal impact and optimises every step in the battery life cycle, from collection to their second life.

Smart collection solutions for greater safety and efficiency

Batteries are evolving rapidly and bring new challenges in terms of safety, collection and recycling. To address these challenges, Bebat rolled out smart and safe collection solutions across Belgium as early as in 2020. Today, more than 17,000 intelligent collection receptacles are already in use at recycling centers, schools, retailers and other collection points.

These smart collection units are equipped with IoT technology that monitors fill levels and temperatures 24/7. As soon as a drum is full or an anomaly is detected, a collection is automatically scheduled. Data is transmitted in real time via an integrated SIM card. This not only increases operational efficiency but also ensures a correct and safe collection.

The receptacles are designed with a future-oriented approach, structurally integrating safety and ease of use. They respond to the evolution of battery types and applications, such as lithium-ion batteries or batteries from electric vehicles.

All recycling centers are equipped with adapted containers featuring temperature detection and fill-level measurement, specifically for the collection of large or damaged batteries. The smart collection units in schools and retail environments also continuously monitor relevant parameters such as fill level and temperature and automatically signal anomalies. The deposit openings are moreover designed to minimize the insertion of battery types that do not belong there.

All receptacles are equipped with a QR code, enabling batteries to be traced from collection to sorting.

In this way, Bebat increases the collection efficiency, reliability, and safety throughout the entire chain.

Xbat.ai: artificial intelligence in the service of recycling

Innovation does not stop at collection. With Xbat.ai, Bebat introduces – together with Sortbat and VITO, a world first in battery recycling: an artificial intelligence – driven sorting line designed to cope with the increasing complexity of batteries.

The AI sorting line combines three advanced technologies: dual X-ray for material identification, 3D laser triangulation for shape and size recognition, and high-resolution color scanning. Today, Xbat.ai automatically sorts battery packs and cells with an accuracy of over 98%, including continuous temperature and damage monitoring.

In the next phases, the technology will be further expanded. By 2026, sorting based on metal content will be possible, and in the longer term, sorting with a view to reuse and a second life for batteries. In parallel, Bebat is exploring how this technology can be applied to other waste streams, such as PMD and WEEE, with active knowledge sharing as a common thread.

An integrated approach with societal added value

With smart collection receptacles and Xbat.ai, Bebat is building a safe, efficient and future-proof battery ecosystem. By structurally embedding innovation and digitalization in every link of the chain- from collection and transport to sorting, recycling and reuse – Bebat reduces risks, improves recycling quality and actively contributes to the circular economy.

As a result, batteries are not only processed correctly, but increasingly gain a second life, serving people, society and the environment.