Rocsys has demonstrated its robot self-charging system working with electric trucks in a port in the Netherlands, writes Nick Flaherty.

The Rocsys platform includes the first interoperable robotic hands-free charging system for ports, logistics and robotaxi industries. The demonstration was part of the European Magpie project to automate activity at ports and logistics centres.

The automated system uses computer vision that navigates the charging plug toward the inlet socket of the truck regardless of orientation. This uses an artificial intelligence (AI) framework to obtain 3D information with a single camera under harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog and bright sunlight. Integrated LED lighting allows the system to work day and night.

Soft robotics ensure that the plug finds its way safely into the socket with 6-degrees of motion for translations and angles, handling sudden shocks and allowing customer offloading of cargo, passengers or drivers at the same time. It can also absorb unexpected vehicle motion while connected.

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