The robot loads the car with the driver behind the wheel. Ford’s goal is that even disabled people should be able to drive electric vehicles.
A number of charging robots have seen the light of day – although they seem to have difficulty reaching commercial use. An example was Volkswagen’s mobile version with batteries on board. Robotizing induction charging can, however, be a simpler option to avoid the hassle of cables, which Continental, among others, has taken notice of.
But now Ford surprises with a classic charging robot that is under development. However, the target group is the disabled, writes Ford in a press release. Because it is not as obvious for everyone to be able to participate in electrification. In a recent UK study, 61 percent of disabled drivers said they would only consider buying an electric vehicle if charging was made more accessible.
The robot arm finds the charging connector with the help of a camera. Photo: Ford
Controlled with smartphone
Ford’s research project has moved out of the lab to real-life tests in Cologne, Germany. The prototype charging station was designed by the Dortmund University of Technology, and the driver controls the entire process with his smartphone.
When the vehicle approaches, the charging station enclosure is opened, and with the help of a small camera, the robot arm plugs into the car. Ford thinks that the robot could also be a flexible solution for companies with vehicle fleets.
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