China tests mobile power bank for electric vehicles with 6-axis arm

China is testing a mobile electric vehicle (EV) charging robot equipped with a six-axis robotic arm and advanced visual recognition technology in Shaanxi Province. This system, part of the Qinchuangyuan initiative, functions as a mobile power bank that autonomously locates EVs, precisely aligns its robotic arm with the vehicle’s charging port, and initiates charging before detaching once complete. The initiative aims to accelerate the commercialization of scientific and technological innovations and promote industrial development, supporting enterprises in transitioning to intelligent manufacturing through automation and robotics. The robotic charger addresses a critical challenge in the EV industry—range anxiety—by providing flexible, on-demand charging in areas lacking fixed stations. Developed in partnership with Xi’an Jiaotong University, the system overcomes technical hurdles related to the precision and adaptability required for automated EV charging, integrating visual and force feedback for reliable operation despite positional uncertainties. Shaanxi’s strong focus on innovation, reflected in its high sci-tech innovation index and substantial tech contract volumes, underscores