Ford trials robot charging station for electric vehicles

Ford is trialling a robot charging station for electric vehicles, which could make it easier for mobility-impaired people to charge their cars. The Michigan-based car manufacturer has demonstrated a prototype system, developed by engineers at Dortmund University, Germany. It consists of a robotic arm that extends all the way into a electric car's charging port, operated by the driver via their smartphone from inside the vehicle. After charging, the arm retracts back into place and the driver can be on their way – without having to ever get out of the car. The robotic arm extends all the way into a electric car's charging port, operated by the driver via their smartphone from inside the vehicle A charging station, which could be situated in a car park or a roadside, features a sliding door that conceals the robotic arm.