BMW’s automatic charging robot uses an AI vision system to complete charging path planning in just a few seconds.
On July 3, BMW Group released a video clip announcing that its automatic charging robot has successfully completed concept validation, marking a breakthrough in the field of intelligent charging.
This technology aims to offer a fully hands-free charging experience, with potential commercial deployment depending on market readiness.
The technical highlight of BMW’s automatic charging robot lies in its AI vision-based precise positioning. Using advanced AI visual recognition, the robot can accurately locate charging ports on various vehicle models, even under complex lighting conditions. Once the vehicle parks in a designated bay, the robot completes path planning and initiates the charging process in just a few dozen seconds. It also automatically disconnects the charging gun and returns to its initial position after charging is complete.
In combination with BMW’s existing features—such as scheduled charging, automatic locking, and plug-and-charge—the system eliminates the need for scanning QR codes, manual plug-in and removal, and payment steps, delivering a far more seamless user experience.
In the future, BMW plans to integrate automatic charging with its automated valet parking system, aiming for a one-stop service where drivers can leave the entire parking and charging process unattended from the moment they enter a parking lot.
As early as October 24, 2024, BMW and Mercedes-Benz jointly launched the IONCHI ultra-fast charging brand, formally starting to build a charging network in China.
The first batch of IONCHI stations covers seven key urban areas including Beijing, Qingdao, and Nanjing. The superchargers support wide voltage (200V–1000V), up to 800A of current, and peak power output of 600 kW.
According to plans, IONCHI aims to deploy 1,000 charging stations and around 7,000 chargers nationwide by 2026, focusing on major business districts and large shopping centers. To meet users’ needs for charging to fit naturally into daily commutes and activities, BMW also launched destination charging stations, with 100 such sites planned by next year.
The successful validation of the automatic charging robot represents a key milestone in BMW’s “360° Full-Chain AI Strategy”, and further strengthens the synergy between its smart charging technology and the IONCHI supercharging network.
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