IONITY unveils autonomous robotics system to optimise traffic flow and maximise HPC availability

• Optimises traffic flow at busy HPC sites by autonomously clearing inactive charging bays.
• Increases effective site capacity during peak periods, reducing waiting times for drivers.
• Fully operational across Europe from 1 April – subject to a well-charged sense of humour.
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Munich, 1 April 2026 – IONITY unveils QBOT today, a newly developed autonomous robotics system engineered to optimise traffic flow across its charging locations and increase the availability of IONITY’s High Power Charging points. QBOT has been designed to reposition vehicles that occupy a charging bay without an active charging session, ensuring smoother operations across locations.

The special launch date marks a network-first for IONITY in pioneering an initiative designed to bring more fun and joy to EV drivers across Europe. And with Easter holidays approaching, it also serves as a timely reminder of the importance of appropriate charging etiquette to ensure IONITY Locations remain accessible throughout the year.

Maximum availability in a rapidly growing EV market

As the number of electric vehicles on European roads continues to rise, so too does the importance of highly available charging infrastructure and seamless traffic flow at IONITY Locations. Internal analyses indicate that blocked bays without active charging sessions during peak periods can significantly increase waiting times for arriving drivers and reduce daily site capacity.

At busy locations along major transport corridors, even small disruptions can impact overall throughput. QBOT addresses this challenge directly – automated, precise and fully integrated into IONITY’s intelligent, AI-enabled backend system. On-site chargers and camera systems continuously analyse the status of each charging bay. If a parking space is occupied by a non-charging vehicle for more than three minutes, the system alerts QBOT, which automatically activates. Equipped with 360° LiDAR, 12 cameras and high-resolution ultrasonic sensors, the robot leaves its docking station and navigates to the vehicle with centimetre-level accuracy.

Adaptive technology for careful repositioning

QBOT features an adaptive wheel-grip mechanism that stabilises the tyres without contacting the vehicle body. The vehicle is lifted slightly and repositioned within the site perimeter at a controlled speed of 5 km/h to a designated parking space. In cases where a vehicle remains plugged in despite having reached 100% state of charge for more than ten minutes, QBOT can, via secure vehicle communication, end the charging process and automatically release and remove the connector before repositioning the vehicle.

The system is capable of moving vehicles weighing up to 3,000 kg. Sensors continuously monitor vehicle stability, traction and environmental conditions to ensure controlled, contact-minimised manoeuvring. The average repositioning time is under four minutes. Simulation-based testing suggests that during peak demand periods, QBOT could increase effective site availability significantly.

Innovation with a smile

IONITY continuously develops new solutions to make ultra-fast charging across Europe more reliable and convenient. Some innovations are born from very real operational challenges and from the ambition to make every charging point accessible to as many drivers as possible.

Before autonomous robots begin circulating through locations across Europe, IONITY will continue to rely on proven measures for smooth charging operations: ultra-fast infrastructure with dedicated power per charging point, more than 6,000 charging points along key European routes, and a commitment to encouraging appropriate charging etiquette.

So if you do not encounter a QBOT at an IONITY Location today, it is not due to a system error. It is simply the date. We wish you a very happy April 1.