Ford trials robot charging station to assist disabled drivers

For most of us, filling a car with fuel or charging an electric vehicle is a simple task. However, for disabled drivers, people with reduced mobility and older people it can be a significant challenge.

Ford's prototype technology could enable disabled drivers to stay in the car while charging or leave the car entirely while the robot does all the work.

Disabled drivers have already identified ease of charging as a key purchase consideration for electric vehicles. A recent survey in the UK showed that 61 per cent of disabled drivers would consider buying an electric vehicle only if charging was made more accessible.

Ford is testing its robot charging station as part of a research project to develop hands-free charging solutions for electric vehicles and fully automatic charging for autonomous vehicles.

Following initial lab testing, Ford researchers are now putting the robot charging station to the test in real-life situations. Once activated, the station cover slides open and the charging arm extends towards the inlet with the help of a tiny camera. For the trial, drivers were able to monitor the charge status via the FordPass app (already available for smartphones). After charging, the robotic arm retracts back into place.

Angela Aben, who works in employee communications at Ford of Europe, and who uses a power-assisted wheelchair to gain more mobility and independence, said: “I stopped filling up my car myself years ago, because it became very strenuous. My husband does it for me. The introduction of a robot charging station would offer me a much greater level of independence.”

In future, the robot charging station, custom-made by Dortmund University in Germany, could be installed at disabled parking spaces, in car parks or at private homes. Further applications could include the fast and efficient charging of company electric car fleets. The technology could also support more powerful charging to charge vehicles in a much shorter time.

Birger Fricke, research engineer at the Research and Innovation Centre of Ford of Europe, said: “Ford is committed to ensuring freedom of movement and right now refuelling or charging your vehicle can be a major problem for some drivers. The robot charging station could be an added convenience for some people, but absolutely essential for others.”

Looking ahead, Ford envisages the process becoming fully automated, with minimal or no driver involvement. The driver would simply send the vehicle to the charging station, with the appropriate infrastructure ensuring it reaches and returns from its destination autonomously. It is acknowledged that this will require significant development before it becomes a reality.

The robot charger research project is one aspect of Ford’s stated commitment to electrification. A follow-up project with the charging network provider Ionity will look to further improve the robot charging station.

Ford is also conducting research into robot charging solutions in combination with Automated Valet Parking, as demonstrated at IAA in Munich, Germany, in 2021. 

Ford’s own 'Blue Oval Charging Network' provides customers with access to a network of over 300,000 chargers across Europe. To help drivers find charging stations and pay for charging, Ford Charge Assist can be accessed using the touchscreen of Ford’s Sync 4 connectivity and entertainment system.

For commercial vehicle customers, Ford Pro Charging offers bespoke charging solutions incorporating charging equipment, ongoing maintenance and management software that help reduce time-consuming paperwork and charge schedule planning.

Ford recently joined 27 companies in a petition to ensure all new cars and vans in Europe are zero emission from 2035 and called for targets to grow electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Europe to keep pace with electric vehicle growth rates.

The company has previously stated that it believes a unified approach encompassing governments, European Union institutions, the entire auto industry, energy providers, local authorities and consumers is required to accelerate the development of a comprehensive, easily accessible and efficient charging infrastructure at home, in the workplace and in public locations.