Watch Hyundai Showing Off A New Robotic EV Autocharger In Action

Hyundai Motor Group continues to push the boundaries of technology, not just in the automotive industry, but also in robotics. The latest addition to its growing robotic portfolio is the automatic charging robot (ACR), designed to make electric vehicle (EV) charging more convenient and efficient.

The ACR features a single-arm robotic design that connects and charges EVs without requiring driver intervention. It is a significant step towards reducing the burden of EV charging on drivers and boosting the uptake of sustainable transportation.

In a video released by Hyundai, the ACR is seen in action, paired with the Ioniq 6, which autonomously parks itself in the charging bay. The ACR communicates with the vehicle to identify the precise location and angle of the charging port, attaches the charger, and charges the car. The process is fully automated, with the ACR retracting the charger and closing the charging port on the vehicle once the charging is complete.

What makes the ACR impressive is the level of precision and attention to detail that has gone into its design. It relies on a 3D-camera-based AI technology algorithm to calculate variables such as the vehicle’s exact parking location, shape of the charging port, weather, and weight of the charging cable to ensure a secure and efficient charging connection.

To further test the ACR’s capabilities, Hyundai built an outdoor charging station at its R&D center and tested the robot in various conditions. The ACR is IP65 waterproof and dust-proof, and it can operate in “extreme environments,” according to Hyundai.

The safety of the ACR is also a top priority, with an integrated laser sensor safety pole that identifies stationary and moving obstacles to prevent accidents. In the video, the safety pole warns a pedestrian as he approaches the charging cable, demonstrating the ACR’s ability to operate safely in real-world outdoor conditions.

Hyundai’s ACR is a significant development in the EV charging space and a glimpse into the future of sustainable transportation. The convenience and efficiency it offers could be a game-changer for the industry, and it will be interesting to see how it evolves in the coming years.