Hangzhou Gas Stations Have Evolved to Robot Fueling with Remarkable Efficiency
-
A video uploaded by a netizen shows a 'fueling robot' at a gas station in Hangzhou, which operates entirely automatically with even higher efficiency than manual fueling.
In the video, the robot first attaches a 'support platform' below the fuel tank cap, then uses lidar to locate the fuel filler port, followed by the telescopic arm gently tapping the fuel tank cap to pop it open.
What's even more impressive is that the robotic arm can automatically unscrew the fuel tank cap and place it on the 'support platform' initially attached to the car body.
Finally, the robot uses its gripper to take out the fuel nozzle, insert it into the fuel tank, and begin fueling—all with smooth and highly efficient movements.
This has sparked heated discussions among netizens: 'This fueling robot definitely won't try to sell me fuel additives,' 'What if we drive away while the robot is taking out the fuel nozzle—will it spray fuel on the ground?',
'Gas station attendants might lose their jobs in the future,' 'What if the fuel tank cap breaks—where will it put the cap?', 'This only works for cars where the fuel tank cap opens with a press—what about cars that require unlocking from inside?'
It is reported that this fueling robot, named 'Yigongli Energy Arm,' first appeared at the Nanyang Gas Station in Hangzhou. It is a collaborative achievement between Zhejiang Yigongli Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. and Zhejiang Expressway Petroleum Development Co., Ltd.
Using artificial intelligence technology, the Yigongli Energy Arm can accurately identify the fuel tank cap structures of over 90% of passenger vehicles. Upon receiving a fueling command, it can complete all cap-opening and nozzle-insertion operations within 120 seconds, significantly improving fueling efficiency.
Additionally, drivers only need to park their cars and can complete scanning, fueling, and payment operations without leaving the vehicle, making the fueling experience more convenient.