Hyundai believes autonomous charging robots can make charging electric vehicles easier and more accessible.
The automaker on Tuesday released a short video showing its prototype robot charging. ioniq 6 roadster. According to an accompanying press release, Hyundai showcased the robot’s design in a computer-generated video last year, but this time it shows a working version being tested at its main R&D center. company.
The video shows the Ioniq 6 backing up into a parking space using the Remote Intelligent Parking Assist feature already available on select Hyundai models for the US market. However, in this case, the charging port door will automatically open. After that, the robot will plug in the charging cable, the 3D camera relies on AI algorithms to control the plug into the port. When charging is complete, the robot will unplug the cable and send a notification to the rider’s smartphone.
Hyundai electric charging robot
According to the automaker, noting that many EV charging stations are outside and exposed to the weather, engineers built a dedicated charging station at Hyundai’s R&D center and tested the robot in a variety of conditions. together. It claims the robot is “developed to operate reliably in any environment, regardless of charger location, weather and potential obstacles.”
Robotic charging is considered essential not only for self-driving cars, but also to make electric vehicles usable for people with mobility problems. At least in the US, there are no full-service EV charging stations with attendants who can assist.
Several other automatic charging ideas have been proposed, including some that involve the robot charging instead of the other way around. A Silicon Valley company is adding employee locations a charging bot named Ziggywhile Airmail in China there is a solution in the form of a small robot that can be summoned with an app.
Several companies have suggested pairing robot charging with wireless inductive technology. Stellantis is considering a mobile phone charging robot for Ram REV electric pickup trucks. And following a slightly different tactic, supplier Continental offered a similar solution that still relies on physical connection.
And let’s not forget Tesla Solid Charger, using an articulated cord that wriggles into the car’s charging port. First shown in 2015, it’s probably too creepy for real-world use.
