NOVELTY - An insulator for engaging electrode tabs of an electrochemical cell, comprises fingers (54) separated from each other by a slot, the slot including a closed end and an open end; and a latch (74) disposed adjacent the open end of the slot. The latch is movable from a resting position to a biased position.    USE - The insulator is used for engaging electrode tabs of an electrochemical cell (claimed).    ADVANTAGE - The present invention provides a compact, robust, multifunctional and highly manufacturable rechargeable battery cell.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are:    (1) a robotic device that attaches an insulation disk segment to an electrochemical cell having protruding tabs, the insulation disk segment comprising a rib and fingers separated by an open ended slot, the robotic device comprising: a moveable arm; a gripper attached to the arm; and a controller that causes the gripper to grasp the rib and rotate the insulation disk segment so as to engage and slide the tabs from the open end of the slot to an inward position of the slot;    (2) an electrode tab forming device for bending electrode tabs of an electrochemical cell, comprising: a holding tool, an anvil, and a controller; the holding tool including, a base portion; fingers formed in the base portion; and slots formed between the fingers for accepting electrode tabs of an electrochemical cell, the electrode tabs extending from the slots when engaged by the holding tool; and the anvil having an end portion operable to apply force to the electrode tabs, where the controller coordinates movement of the holding tool and the anvil so that while the holding tool engages the electrode tabs, the anvil applies the force to the electrode tabs extending from the slots such that the electrode tabs are bent towards the electrochemical cell in an overlapping manner; and    (3) a method of attaching an insulator portion to an electrochemical cell.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a cross sectional view of an insulator.    Finger (54)    Latch (74)    Hinge (94)    Sub-base area (122)    Tab (300)