Hyundai Unveils Charging Robot That Finds Connectors and Charges Itself...

Hyundai Motor Group unveiled a demonstration video of its electric vehicle automatic charging robot (ACR) on the 21st. Demonstration video

This robot lifts the cable of the electric vehicle charger and connects it to the vehicle’s charging port, and once charging is complete, it removes the charger and returns it to its original place. In the video, when a vehicle is parked in a charging-available zone, the electric vehicle automatic charging robot and the vehicle communicate with each other to open the charging port cover. The robot calculates the location and angle of the charging port using an internal camera. Then, it attaches the charger to the vehicle and starts charging. After charging is finished, it removes the charger, places it back, and closes the cover. The robot performs all these processes autonomously.

This process was made possible by the integration of advanced robotic technologies. There are various variables to consider, including the vehicle’s parking position, the shape of the charging port, weather conditions, obstacles, and cable weight. In particular, software technology capable of flawlessly calculating these variables is necessary for the robot to connect the charger to the charging port. Hyundai Motor Group developed an algorithm applying 3D camera-based artificial intelligence (AI) technology to the robot. Based on this, next-generation control technology enables the robot to accurately connect the charger.

Considering that most chargers are located outdoors, the robot has secured an IP65 level waterproof and dustproof rating. A safety pole equipped with a laser sensor is installed around the robot to provide alerts when someone approaches nearby. The company anticipates various applications in the future, such as sequentially charging multiple parked vehicles by combining the system with autonomous parking management or mobile rails.

The robot can be seen at Hyundai Motor’s exhibition hall at the Seoul Mobility Show, opening on the 31st. A company official stated, "We will continue to improve the completeness so that the robot can be actually encountered at electric vehicle charging stations in the near future."