We've seen autonomous pods with virtual eyes, but now, Volkswagen Group Components has unveiled a prototype of its electric vehicle charging robot with eyes.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure has been a hot ticket subject for automakers, EV charging companies, and consumers as EV sales continue to grow, but the number of charging infrastructure solutions remain limited (especially when compared to the number of gas stations). As a result, startups like Volta Charging and traditional automakers like Porsche and Volkswagen have begun exploring and pushing the EV charging space.
Volkswagen's new autonomous robots target a specific segment of charging needs. According to the German automaker, the winking robots are meant to be used in "restricted" parking lots, such as underground parking structures.
"Setting up an efficient charging infrastructure for the future is a central task that challenges the entire sector," Thomas Schmall, CEO of Volkswagen Group Components said in a statement on the news release. "We are developing solutions to help avoid costly stand-alone measures."