Hack Dearborn 4 vs Pouch Cell Inspector

Hack Dearborn will be hosted at the University of Michigan Dearborn by the Google Developer Student Clubs chapter at the University. Hack Dearborn aims to provide students with a creative space to solve problems and create real world solutions using technology. Use thsi app for notifications and checking in!

Lithium-ion pouch cells are increasingly used in electric vehicles, mobile electronics, and renewable energy systems because of their high energy density, flexible form factor, and lightweight design. One drawback is that pouch cells can be more susceptible to physical deformation, especially bulging, which can be caused by internal gas formation from aging, thermal stress, or overcharging. Catching visible deformation early can help you make safer decisions about handling, storage, and next steps. Pouch Cell Inspector helps detect visible pouch-cell deformation by analyzing a photo of a lithium-ion pouch battery and returning a result in seconds. Using on-device intelligence, you’ll get an assessment such as Normal, Deformed/Bulging, or Inconclusive/Unknown. Whether you are an engineer, you work in an automotive industry, or even an enthusiast interested in learning about pouch Cells, you’ve come to the right place. You can scan using your camera or import photos you already have saved. You do not need to have a pouch cell in front of you to use the app—photo import and the Safety Info section can be used on their own, and the app can be explored without actively scanning a battery. Safety Info provides practical guidance, including why swelling lithium batteries can be dangerous and what to do next if a battery appears deformed. This is meant to help you understand the risk and take appropriate action based on manufacturer guidance and proper disposal options. Pouch Cell Inspector includes optional accessibility features for visually impaired users, including spoken battery results and distinct haptic feedback based on the classification outcome. This allows users who may not be able to visually assess their pouch cells to still receive meaningful, real-time feedback through touch and audio cues. You can also choose to save scanned images directly to your photo library, making it easier to document findings, share results with colleagues, or include them in reports for further analysis or safety review. Pouch Cell Inspector is an early beta. Results are informational and not a guarantee of safety. Always follow the manufacturer’s handling and disposal guidance, and use caution with any battery that is swollen, hot, leaking, or damaged.