Starting a charge without leaving the car is now possible with the charging robot from Hyundai

Hyundai Motor Group and the Incheon International Airport Corporation in South Korea have reached a collaboration agreement that will lead them to implement AI-powered automatic charging robots. In this way, Incheon Airport will become the first public site in the country where this technology will be tested under real-world conditions, allowing its functionality and user experience to be evaluated.

The Automatic Charging Robot, ACR for short, has been developed by the Robotics LAB of Hyundai. This device is capable of detecting the charging port of an electric vehicle and carrying out the connection process without any human intervention. As set out in the agreement signed by both companies, Hyundai will provide both the robots’ hardware and software, in addition to developing intelligent parking interfaces and adapting the charging scenarios to the specific needs of the airport environment.

Although this will be the first test in a real-world environment, it is important to note that the ACR has already been tested in controlled settings. The use of this technology is expected to speed up the flow of passengers and vehicles at a transport hub as busy as Incheon International Airport, one of the most heavily trafficked in the world. This project aligns with the vision of Incheon Airport 4.0, which seeks to consolidate the airport as a center of AI innovation for aviation by integrating cutting-edge technologies into its digital infrastructure.

The advantages of wireless charging without its drawbacks

The ACR from Hyundai complies with Korea’s KC certification and European CE standards. An important point to note is that it does not incorporate its own charging technology, but instead interacts with existing charging stations. Its function is to take the cable from the station, open the vehicle’s charging flap through direct communication with the car, connect the cable and remove it when charging is finished. Unlike solutions such as CATL’s mobile charging stations (CharGo), which travel with integrated batteries but require manual connection, the ACR from Hyundai fully automates the connection process.

Following the announcement of this agreement, Hyundai has welcomed the collaboration, as it considers it an important step forward in demonstrating the practical benefits of future mobility technologies, offering a personalized and efficient charging experience. Likewise, the management of Incheon International Airport has stressed that, in its view, this alliance will significantly improve operational efficiency and customer service, consolidating Incheon as a global benchmark for digital innovation thanks to its advanced infrastructure.