Hyundai trials AI-based EV charging robots at Incheon Airport

Hyundai Motor Group is moving to commercialise its automatic charging robot (ACR) for electric vehicles through a strategic collaboration with Incheon International Airport Corporation. The latter will serve as the first public demonstration site for real-world application and user testing. Hyundai will supply the robotics hardware and software, develop smart parking interfaces, and tailor the charging scenarios to the specific needs of airport infrastructure.

The ACR is an autonomous robotic system capable of locating the charging port and initiating the charging process without human intervention. Backed by artificial intelligence and robotics developed by Hyundai’s Robotics LAB, it has already been tested in controlled settings such as the robot-friendly building project at Factorial Seongsu, Hyundai says.

The robots are designed to handle EV charging autonomously, thereby streamlining passenger flow and vehicle turnaround at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. With the expansion of Incheon Airport under the ‘Incheon Airport 4.0 Era’ and ambitions to become an ‘Aviation AI Innovation Hub’, the ACR fits neatly into its digital transformation agenda. The ACRs have been certified under Korea’s KC system and meet CE standards in Europe.

However, the ACR only works in combination with a charging station and does not contain any charging technology itself. The robot can grab the charging cable at the charging station, open the charging flap on the vehicle (via communication with the vehicle), plug in the cable and remove it again once the charging process is complete. This distinguishes the Hyundai solution from the mobile charging stations from CATL subsidiary CharGo, for example, which can roll up to parked vehicles and charge the electric cars with an integrated battery – although here the charging cable has to be plugged in manually.

“This collaboration will serve as a significant milestone in verifying the practical benefits of future mobility technologies,” said Heui Won Yang, President and Head of the R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “Hyundai Motor Group aims to offer a more convenient and enhanced mobility experience through a customised automatic charging solution that can be used in any setting.”

“We expect this partnership to significantly enhance service and improve operational efficiency at Incheon International Airport,” said Hag Jae Lee, President and CEO of Incheon International Airport Corporation. “We will continue to advance as the world’s leading digital airport, based on our excellent infrastructure and technological capabilities.”

hyundai.com, hyundai.news (background information about the ACR)