Hyundai Motor Group has developed a one-arm automatic charging robot (ACR) for use with electric vehicles (EV).
The technology, which was first revealed in CGI last year, can plug a cable into an EV charging port and remove it once charging has been completed.
The charger’s abilities have been shown in a new video with a Hyundai IONIQ 6, which parks autonomously in an EV-charging bay.
Once stationary, the ACR communicates with the vehicle to open the charging port, before calculating the exact location and angle of the charging port through a camera mounted inside. Once charging is completed, it removes the charger and closes the cover of the vehicle’s charging port.
Hyundai’s Robotics Lab considered a number of variables in developing the ACR, such as the parking location of the vehicle, the shape of the charging port, the weather, as well as potential obstacles and weight of the charging cable. In order for the robot to fasten a charger to the charging port securely, software technology calculated the multiple variables required.
An algorithm that applies 3D camera-based AI technology to robots was used, and control technology based on the application allows robots to accurately handle heavy chargers. With most EV chargers installed outdoors without cover, engineers also evaluated performance in various weather conditions. Engineers installed a safety pole with a built-in laser sensor around the robot to prevent possible accidents by enabling it to detect stationary and moving obstacles.
Dong Jin Hyun, Head of Robotics Lab, Hyundai Motor Group, said: “The ACR will help to make EV-charging easier and more convenient, especially in dark environments. It will also improve accessibility, particularly for people with mobility barriers, as charging cables become thicker and heavier to enable high-speed charging.
“We will continue developing the ACR for increased safety and more convenience, so that all EV customers can soon benefit from using it at charging stations.”
Image courtesy of Hyundai
