The robotic arm autonomously connects and disconnects the charging cable, eliminating the need for drivers to handle heavy cables. (Image provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government)
SEOUL, Feb. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — The Seoul Metropolitan Government is set to debut South Korea’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robotic electric vehicle (EV) charging system, ‘Seoul Boy,’ on February 27.
The innovative system, developed in collaboration with EV charging specialist Moderntec, will be located at the public parking lot of Sinbanghwa Station on Subway Line 9.
Seoul Boy is designed to charge up to three electric vehicles simultaneously using an automated robotic arm. The system has undergone a 16-month pilot operation and safety testing since September 2023, receiving certification from the Korea Robot Users Association.
Hands-Free Convenience and Expanded Compatibility
The robotic arm autonomously connects and disconnects the charging cable, eliminating the need for drivers to handle heavy cables. This feature is particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities and pregnant women, making EV charging more accessible.
Users can access the service through the ‘Modern Boy’ app by registering their vehicle number and payment method once. Charging begins automatically within 60 seconds of parking and proceeds without requiring any manual input. The app also provides real-time notifications on charging progress and completion.
Currently, Seoul Boy is optimized for Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, Kona EV, and Kia’s EV6, with plans to expand compatibility to Tesla and other EV models in the near future.
Parking Lot Equipped with the Seoul Boy System (Image provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government)
Standardized Pricing and Future Expansion Plans
The charging fee is set at 324.4 won per kilowatt-hour (kWh), the same rate as standard public charging stations. During its initial phase, the facility will operate on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until June, with considerations for expanding service hours to weekends and nighttime.
Seoul is also working on broader initiatives to improve EV infrastructure, including a centralized complaint system for charging issues, expansion of automatic ‘Auto Charging’ systems, and the introduction of overhead fast chargers at bus depots.
“This AI-powered charging station is more than just a convenience—it marks the beginning of service innovation aimed at improving accessibility for all,” said Kwon Min, head of Seoul’s Climate and Environment Headquarters.
As the city continues to push forward with EV-friendly policies, the launch of Seoul Boy represents a major step toward smart, automated charging solutions in South Korea’s growing electric vehicle ecosystem.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
