In the coming years, drivers in the UAE will not need to step out of their cars to charge their electric vehicles (EVs). Adnoc Distribution, a fuel retailer, showcased an autonomous robotic arm at their Gitex kiosk. This could become the “charger of the future” for electric vehicles.
“We are developing an autonomous EV charger—a robotic arm that identifies the car, starts the charging session, connects the charger, and disconnects on its own. All of this is done automatically using advanced artificial intelligence (AI),” said Maaz Qureshi, vice president of digital business at Adnoc Distribution.
He added, “This is part of our shift towards robotics, AI, and making mobility more convenient.”
Adnoc Distribution is expanding its EV charging network. By mid-2024, it plans to double its fast and super-fast charging stations to over 100. The goal is to reach 150 to 200 charging points by the end of the year.
In February 2024, the company began testing a robotic fueling arm in Abu Dhabi. After a year of development, this pilot project aims to assist drivers in refueling during the hot summer months. The robotic arm will also help staff, improve productivity, and reduce wait times.
In the first half of 2024, Adnoc Distribution added 10 new service stations, raising the total to 847 across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. They aim to add 15 to 20 more stations by the end of the year.
William Lane, vice president of communication at Adnoc Distribution, said the company is working with several companies to explore new technologies and improve customer experiences.
“With the autonomous EV charging robotic arm, drivers won’t need to leave their cars. It is weatherproof and works in all conditions. Though it’s still in its early stages, it’s an exciting concept. We don’t expect it to roll out soon, but it could be part of a long-term plan,” said Lane.
He added, “If you have an autonomous car, you ideally need an autonomous charging system. This will help create a fully automated ecosystem with self-driving cars and self-operating chargers.”
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