Ford has created a prototype robot charging station that a driver can control from their smartphone without ever leaving their electric vehicle.
“The technology could enable disabled drivers to stay in the car while charging, or they could leave the car while the robot does all the work,” Ford said.
“For most of us, filling a car with fuel or charging an electric vehicle is a simple task. But for disabled drivers, people with reduced mobility and older people it can be a significant challenge.”
According to Ford, charging convenience has been identified as a key purchase consideration for electric vehicles for disabled drivers.
Ford is testing the robot charging station as part of a research project to develop hands-free charging solutions for electric vehicles and fully automatic charging for autonomous vehicles.
Following initial lab testing, company researchers are putting the charging station to the test in real-world scenarios.
“Once activated, the station covers slides open and the charging arm extends towards the inlet with the help of a tiny camera. For the trial, drivers were able to monitor the charge status via the Ford Pass app,” the company said. “After charging, the arm retracts back into place.”
The robot charging station, custom-built by Dortmund University in Germany, could be installed in the future at disabled parking spaces, car parks, or private homes. Charging may become fully automated in the future, with little or no driver involvement, with the driver simply sending the vehicle to the charging station.
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