The manufacturer with the blue oval is constantly innovating, and now there is interest elderly or disabled people : indeed, if for most of us refueling or connecting the car to a charging station is a harmless act, for others these actions can become a real problem.

This is how Ford created the prototype robotic charging station, which can be connected to an electric vehicle for recharging without the intervention of the driver. Charging is activated from a smartphone, while the user does not need to leave the car.

Robotic charging station: facilitating the use of an electric vehicle

Thus, thanks to this technology, operations necessary for recharging an electric car are performed assigned work : then the driver only has to wait for recharging inside and outside the car or go about his business.

Before embarking on this R&D project, Ford relied on a recent study conducted in the United Kingdom which indicated that 61% of disabled drivers would only consider purchasing an electric car if charging became easier and more accessible.

5 things to know about Lightyear 0, the new solar powered electric car! pic.twitter.com/B7nkcGxnM8

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Robotic charging station: to fully automated charging

Ford is evaluating its robotic charging station as part of a larger research project aimed at creating hands-free charging solution for electric cars, but also fully automated charging for autonomous cars.

In practice, the user activates the terminal through his Ford Pass application. The cover is then opened to release the charging lever: controlled by the camera, it unfolds until it reaches and connects to the vehicle’s connector. During the charging time, users can track the charging status in the APP. After charging is complete, the socket is reconnected, after which the hand is stored in the case.

Robotic charging station: a technology that will appear soon

This robotic charging station has individual design, and was produced in Germany by the University of Dortmund. In the future, it can be installed in parking spaces designated for people with disabilities, as well as in public parking lots or in companies and private homes. In a professional environment, this technology can make fleet charging more efficient to optimize and reduce downtime.

Ford is also consideringfully automate the process : the user will have to simply send his car to the terminal, without the need for intervention. Thanks to autonomous driving features, the car would drive up to the terminal on its own, then start the charging process automatically before allowing the car to drive again, all autonomously.

Still brand new and just taken out of the showroom for a test drive, the German caught fire! But why ? Who said being a car salesman is dangerous? And to top it all off, not sure if this test will… https://t.co/CW1Xx5AeKN

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