BATTERY LIFT AND TRANSFER SOLUTIONS FOR ASSEMBLING TRACTION BATTERY PACKS

Manufacturing processes are disclosed for assembling traction battery packs that battery systems. Exemplary traction battery pack assembly methods may include lifting and transferring battery cells between assembly line workstations, such as a cell matrix assembly workstation and a welding workstation. The method may further involve the use of automated tooling, such as a cell-to-matrix pusher and a cell matrix support structure that includes locator pads for supporting a non-rigid grouping of battery cell during workstation transfers.