Xiaomi Introduces a Robot Arm That Automatically Plugs Into Your EV
Xiaomi Robotic EV Charger
Day by day, we get closer and closer to our nerdy sci-fi fantasies. While some EVs look like space ships, how about a robot arm that makes it feel like you're docking into an Imperial Star Destroyer? Well, Xiaomi might just make all your nerdy dreams come true.
Kidding aside, this "lazy" charger is pretty cool, as it features automatic plugging and unplugging and even remote charging. The catch is that the system only works with a couple of cars for now, and all of them are Chinese, Car News China reports.
Automated Charging
Now, I know what you may be thinking, "Why on earth would I need to buy a robot arm in order to charge my car?" To that, I say, if you don't find it cool enough to want and buy, it might be easy to dismiss this robot charger. A product like this could potentially be game-changing for senior citizens, disabled drivers, or owners who aren't always home to monitor their car's charging status.
Xiaomi designed this robot arm to be a seamless and intelligent charger for your EV. It can work alongside automated parking for a true autopilot experience. Cars are getting smarter on the road, and you could say that driverless cars are a trend or fad to watch, but driverless charging? That's something else. I'll admit, it might be a niche, but it's way too cool not to share.
The video that Xiaomi posted is actually a real-life demo of the product, which means that it is more or less ready to go to market. According to the company, the Xiaomi EV Robotic Charging Arm will be available by the fourth quarter of 2026.
Features
Key features here include "Lazy Charging," Automatic Unplugging, and Remote Charging. Briefly explaining each feature, "Lazy Charging" allows the user to have the car start charging once it's parked. The system is designed to automatically start the charging process, which takes a few seconds to a minute, and drivers can just walk away.
Automatic Unplugging is triggered when the car is finished charging. Let's say you left it overnight and the battery percentage reached 100%. The software is programmed to automatically cut power and disengage the plug. The compatible EV then closes its charging door all on its own, thus preserving battery life, in theory.
Finally, we have Remote Charging. If you're not at home and want to top up your car for any reason, the system can automatically plug in via an app command. For example, if you've failed or refused to charge the car overnight and then sudden plans come up and you need that extra 20% the next day, you can enable charging through an app.
Xiaomi's Not The First
Apart from Xiaomi, other Chinese brands also offer automated EV charging solutions. Brands like Li Auto, Aito, and Star Charge all have their own renditions. It appears that the most premium brands are all going for some sort of ecosystem to help owners enjoy EV life.
Li Auto also announced that it has been actively testing its charging robot since last year. Aito, meanwhile, provided a demonstration in August 2025. Finally, Star Charge's "Armstrong" robot, designed to work with autonomous vehicles, aims to eliminate the need for human intervention when EVs need to charge.
Other companies like Hyundai, Volkswagen, and more have also dipped their toes into automated charging. While the others might be dipping their toes into the waters of automated charging, it appears that Xiaomi might be the most ready to bring its product to market.
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This story was originally published June 13, 2026 at 1:22 PM.