Still a problem: plugging in a car when your hands are full.

[Ulmo]

Talk about first world problems.

Yes, where free markets exist, and precisely why they have first world problems in the first place. You hit the nail on the head! I'm asking for a first world free market solution to a first world free market problem. Thank you! I would have already done it myself if I had lab resources.

 

[Ulmo]

There is a startup company working on robotic chargeplug and the charging networks are all lined up for wanting them. More efficient use of the few fast charging stations. The robot will service a row of cars lined up, automatically unplugging at a set charge and moving to the next in line.

Sounds great.

 

[Ulmo]

Dunno, she has that space between her left thumb and index finger to grab the charge handle and plug it in.

I saw that too.

 

[Ulmo]

I have a problem unlocking my front door when my hands are full. So I need a robotic key. Is there one?

This is a solution in search of a problem.

I'm going to guess that you would not be an interested customer of the product line. Not every product is mandatory for every single person to buy. I'm not asking everyone to get one. I'm saying it's time some innovators with labs put at least two products out there like this. Yes, there's a wiz bang market place for them, but I'm thinking more of low-income elderly people, so I'm more interested in good value products.

 

[Ulmo]

There actually are deadbolts that can detect your phone and automatically unlock. Although you have to have a nice square door that doesn't stick or expand/contract in the cold/heat, otherwise the motor that turns the deadbolt will stick.

I had a remote key with electronic deadbolt in one of the jobs where I needed to go in and out of that door often. It was a huge time saver, and saved dropping many items. It was worth every penny. It's the only door I put that on. I installed it properly to make it land perfect every time without hassle. (I had a huge keyring with 100 keys on it for the other things, and a management system for those keys; no other door had electronic lock, because I didn't need it for those other doors.)

That job sported lots of problems, though, so I'm glad I don't work there any more.

 

[Ulmo]

Robot arms are way too cost prohibitive.

I agree. But notice your precise use of tense. That's why I agree.

 

[Ulmo]

I don't know if they are still around, but Plugless seems to be the solution.

Buy Plugless Wireless EV Charging

Thanks!

Looks way too expensive. I'm waiting for it to dump out of the gee whiz market and fall into the elderly market.

 

[Ulmo]

This "problem" is right up there with "voice commands still don't work while I am eating a cheeseburger".

My "problem" is slightly worse: someone can put down their cheeseburger on a plate (while they don't have a shirt on so they don't ruin a $50 shirt), pull out a napkin, thoroughly clean hands, and put in trash, then fumble around with knobs (or worse yet, touch screen, then have to use microfiber to clean it). If someone trips over a charge cable, it could be death or other costly problems that a delay or spill dealing with a cheeseburger can't touch.

 

[Ulmo]

This is called a first world problem.

Thank you! That's why I presented it to a first world free marketplace to solve, the same free marketplace that turned us into a first world country in the first place.

 

[Ulmo]

Like this?

Tesla demo from 4 years ago:

Watch Tesla's creepy 'solid metal snake' plug itself into a Model S

Yes, that's great. It's not in the marketplace. Furthermore, the arm looks too short. Finally, they could put a tube around it to make it not look like a killer snake, but any buyer could do that step themselves.

 

[Silicon Desert]

Still a problem: plugging in a car when your hands are full. Still need robotic plugs for electric cars.
I just witnessed an elderly relative skip plugging in because her hands were full.

hmmm, as I am sure other posters have thought...… how is this a new problem with any car? Didn't she have the same issue at the gas pump during her decades on earth? Perhaps you could have taught her to put down the items first

I must be missing something. But having said that, it sure would be nice to have robotic plugs for people who can't get out of the car as easily. ie my partially disabled friend that has a Tesla.

Not being critical. Trying to be humorous and probably failed.

 

[1.21GW]

You’re right, it is hard to plug in when your hands are full! Come to think of it.. there are many things that are hard to do when your hands are full. I suggest we start a list. These will serve as thought starters for innovative ideas

Things that are hard when your hands are full
1. Pumping gas
2. Using the bathroom
3. Changing the TV channel
4. Driving
5. Flying a kite
6. Opening a car door
7. Taking a shower
8. Brushing your teeth
9. Putting your kid in their child seat
10. Flipping someone off
11. ...

 

[Phlier]

Like this?

Tesla demo from 4 years ago:

Watch Tesla's creepy 'solid metal snake' plug itself into a Model S

My favorite part of the Autonomy Day presentation was when someone in the audience asked what was going on with the autonomous snake charger, and if there were any problems with it. Elon said something about it being a done deal, and as for problems with it, the only one he knew about was that you didn't want to bend over when you're around it.

 

[Goodtohave]

I use my tail...

 

[Seanmon]

Meet Plugless | The Wireless EV Charging Station

Massively expensive as you say

Ouch. $12,999?
Ouch

 

[640k]

i'm trying to think of a single time that i pulled up to a gas station, with my hands completely full, unable to fuel my car. priorities and expectations of what's "normal" need to be adjusted.

this isn't a first world problem. this is a "me generation" problem.