Xiaomi unveils robotic arm for electric vehicle home charging

Xiaomi Auto has announced that its home charging robotic arm is expected to enter the market in the fourth quarter of 2026. The robotic arm is designed by Xiaomi to deliver a seamless and intelligent experience by linking automatic parking systems with autonomous charging. Xiaomi confirmed that the demonstration video released alongside the announcement was recorded under real-world conditions and showcases features that are ready for mass production. Xiaomi also highlighted several usage scenarios focused on user convenience. Firstly, the system will automatically initiate the charging process once the vehicle is parked. Secondly, the robotic arm will automatically unplug the charging connector when the battery is fully charged or reaches a pre-set capacity limit. Thirdly, users can start the charging process via smartphone as long as the vehicle is within range of the robotic arm, eliminating the need to visit the vehicle in person. Competition in developing automated charging solutions within China’s automotive industry is intensifying, with several major companies introducing similar technology. During the launch of the Li Auto i8 pure electric SUV last year, CEO Li Xiang revealed that the company is actively testing its own automated charging robot. Meanwhile, the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) demonstrated a robotic arm charging system on the Aito M8 pure electric version in August last year. At the Shanghai Auto Show 2025, Star Charge introduced a fully automated robotic charging system named ‘Armstrong’. This technology was developed specifically to address the charging challenges of autonomous vehicles. The Armstrong system is equipped with AI-based visual recognition with millimetre-level accuracy and a multi-axis robotic arm capable of completing the connector insertion process in under 40 seconds. Additionally, the system supports liquid-cooled ultra-fast charging and is compatible with various international standards, including Chinese (GB), European (EU), and American (US) standards, via a patented adapter ring.