Carmakers and suppliers are looking into several innovations to meet the growing demand for convenient and more accessible charging infrastructure. For example, Chinese charging service provider NaaS is joining the likes of Volkswagen and announcing the development – and launch – of a self-developed automatic mobile charging robot.

The compact robot on wheels, looking for parking buildings in China’s metropolitan areas as a habitat, hosts impressive features. For example, it can actively locate vehicles, provide smart charging, and automatically settle payments. This bot is also expected to become part of an essential infrastructure as self-driving vehicles increasingly become a reality in the future.

Shock- and waterproof

The list of specifications rattles on. The Chinese bot uses deep learning, 5G, V2X, and other underlying connected technologies to provide a seamless charging experience. It doesn’t fear adverse weather conditions either, as it is also waterproof and shockproof.

For customers, the procedure is a breeze. First, they can summon the charging robot by one-click ordering. After that, it parks itself precisely next to the car, establishing communication (by an API interface) and charging via a mechanical arm.

After the procedure, it automatically returns to its docking station. It can handle various charging power. Unfortunately, NaaS doesn’t mention when and where it will start rolling out its army of little orange-white charging bots.

Testing in Wolfsburg

Nonetheless, unmanned charging is becoming the next big thing in the transition to electric mobility worldwide. The components department from Volkswagen showcased a similar robot two years ago (equipped with a face to make it more friendly). But, unlike the Chinese invention of NaaS, it was a visionary concept, not a production-ready solution.

However, the German bot exists and is under trial at the premises of Volkswagen in Wolfsburg. Because this robot carries an energy storage unit as a trailer, it can charge multiple vehicles, which the NaaS bot can’t.

Hyundai goes for fixed

Neither does the version Hyundai unveiled a week ago. The autonomous charging robot (ACR) from South Korea is a one-arm device but isn’t mobile as it sits on a fixed platform.

In this case, and as the video below shows, it is the car that automatically parks into a reserved parking space, upon which a procedure of scanning by a 3D camera and automatic recognition begins.

The lower intelligence involved will make it easier to implement on the existing charging station network. Hyundai also points out that the robot helps to charge in dark environments.

According to the brand, it also takes away the burden of juggling with cables, which are becoming heavier as charging power rises. However, the Hyundai ACR is a concept.