In order to make life much easier for EV owners with physical limitations, Ford has announced a very interesting idea it is working on: a charging station that plugs itself into the vehicle.
Ford is dedicated to promoting freedom of movement, and at the moment, some drivers may have significant difficulties charging their cars or refueling them. said Birger Fricke, a research engineer at Ford of Europe’s Research and Innovation Center. For some people, the robot charging station may be an extra convenience; nevertheless, for others, it is a need.
Ford has created a working prototype of a robot charging station that users can operate with their smartphones from inside their electric vehicle. People with disabilities may be able to stay in their vehicles while they charge thanks to technology, or they may be able to get out and let a robot do everything while they shop, eat, or use the restroom.
Following laboratory testing, Ford researchers are now evaluating the robot charging station in actual environments. Upon activation, the station cover glides open, revealing a tiny camera that controls the charging arm’s extension toward the intake. After charging is finished, the arm retracts back into place. Drivers can use the Ford app to keep track of their charging progress throughout the procedure.
In the future, the procedure might be totally automated with little to no driver involvement. The automobile would just be driven to the charging station, and the infrastructure would take care of making sure it received the proper charge and arrived at its destination on schedule. These robot charging stations, developed by Dortmund University in Germany, may eventually be installed in parking lots for the disabled, auto parks, or even individual residences. Another excellent application for the technology may be quick and effective fleet charging.
Years ago, I quit filling up my car myself because it was too taxing. remarked Angela Aben, a daily user of a power-assisted wheelchair who works on employee communications for Ford of Europe. My hubby takes care of it. I would have a lot more independence if a robot charging station was introduced.
This is just the beginning. The goal of a subsequent collaboration with IONITY is to advance the robot charging technology even more. As demonstrated at IAA in Munich, Germany last year, Ford is also looking into automated valet parking and robot charging technology. Customers would be able to leave their automobile at a parking garage and, while they are away, it will autonomously locate and charge itself.
This is a really significant discovery since it will increase the independence of persons with disabilities and enable them to drive electric vehicles in the same way as everyone else.
People with disabilities may find it challenging to charge their electric vehicles because they frequently must exit the vehicle to plug them in. By automating the entire process and enabling drivers with disabilities to remain in their vehicles while they charge, Ford’s new robotic charging station may be able to assist with this. We applaud Ford for taking this step and hope that other businesses will soon do the same.
Ford provided the featured picture.
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