Charging an electric vehicle can be a difficult experience for the elderly and people with reduced mobility. But Ford’s boffins have been working on a solution – putting a robot to work.
The car giant’s researchers have worked with Dortmund University in Germany to develop a prototype robot charging station that drivers can operate through a smartphone from inside their vehicle, and have recently put it to the test in a real-world trial.
The idea is that the system is a hands-free solution to offer accessible EV charging – and it could also potentially be used as an autonomous charging system for future autonomous vehicles.
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When the charging station is activated, a cover slides open and a robot charging arm extends towards the charging port, aided by a small built-in camera. In the trial, drivers were able to then monitor their charge status with the FordPass app. Once the car is charged, the arm automatically retracts back into place.
Ford and Dortmund University think that, in future, the charger could be featured at disabled parking spaces, car parks and private homes. It could also be used for company fleets.
The robot charging arm will soon be used in a follow-up project Ford is running with charging firm Ionity. The firm is also working with Automated Valet Parking on other robot charging solutions.
Birger Fricke, a research engineer at Ford of Europe’s innovation centre, said: “Refuelling or charging your vehicle can be a major problem for some drivers. The robot charging station could be an added convenience for some people but – absolutely essential for others.”
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