This Cutesy Robot Will Charge Up Your Car in the Future

One year ago, Volkswagen introduced a mobile charging robot that charges electric cars without human intervention. Now the concept is a reality. 

It's designed for more confined parkings where it's challenging to retrofit a charging facility. It should be perfect for creating a charging network in places like an underground car park There's not even a need for a specialised parking spot. 

The robots can be controlled with a mobile application, or through the car's own Car-to-X communication. Once activated, the hardworking robot will lug a battery wagon that's as big as itself to the car. The entire process can be done autonomously, from opening the flap to plugging in the charging cable. Looks like no one will be asking "boss, lap cermin?" then. 

Once connected, the robot will leave the wagon beside the car and tend to other vehicles if required. Once charging is complete, the robot will drop by to collect the depleted battery wagon, and bring it back to its home base to recharge for future use. 

The robot comes with a suite of cameras, laser scanners, and ultrasonic sensors to help it navigate autonomously in the car park. And the cheerful little thing will run around doing its job with cutesy eyes and sci-fi robot noises - just because it can. 

Volkswagen did not reveal the robot's charging capacity this round, Volkswagen previously said that each battery wagon contains 25kWh of charge and is capable of fast charging up to 50kW. 

The lack of charging infrastructure is one of the biggest holdbacks when it comes to buying an electric vehicle. With an innovative solution like this, it should be able to increase the uptake of EVs in the future. 

“A ubiquitous charging infrastructure is and remains a key factor in the success of electric mobility. Our charging robot is just one of several approaches, but is undoubtedly one of the most visionary,” said Volkswagen Group Components CEO Thomas Schmall.