Hyundai: A Charging Robot for Electric Vehicles?

The South Korean brand Hyundai today unveiled its new electric vehicle charging robot, adapted to real-world conditions.

The operation of this electric charging robot (ACR) was revealed today through a video. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is showcased to demonstrate how this new system works. This innovation responds to the desire to offer a unique product to drivers.

This will benefit people with reduced mobility (PRM), who will be able to use this system without needing to carry or connect charging cables for their electric vehicle (EV). Hyundai will present this robot in Seoul at the Mobility Show from March 31 to April 9.

Thus, through this robot, the brand unveils a new way to recharge electric vehicles. This follows an computer-generated imagery (CGI) version released in July 2022.

How does this ACR charging robot work?

The ACR is a single-arm robot capable of connecting a cable to a EV’s charging port and disconnecting it once charging is complete. In the video below, you can see the IONIQ 6 parking at the robot’s charging station. Once parked, the robot precisely determines the position and angle of the port using an integrated camera. The lid of the charging port opens through communication between the ACR and the car. It’s like something out of a science fiction movie!

Additionally, the South Korean manufacturer designed this charging robot to adapt to outdoor environmental conditions. It features the following characteristics:

• IP65 protection rating against water splashes and dust;
• Enhanced performance to operate stably even in extreme conditions;
• Safety pole with laser sensor to detect fixed and moving obstacles around the robot to prevent accidents.

Ultimately, Hyundai plans to offer multi-vehicle charging solutions, thereby building a strong reputation for quality and service in a constantly evolving market.

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