Linki is an autonomous charging bot system designed to deliver power to each parking spot so that every spot becomes a charging spot.

Tools Used:

Research

S T E E P +

Macro Trend Research

Rapid Growth in EV Ownership

The rapid growth in electric vehicle (EV) ownership marks a transformative shift in the automotive sector. As nations worldwide commit to electrification, governmental policies and market dynamics are crucial in accelerating this transition.

Technological Convergence

Technological convergence involves the fusion of diverse technologies into innovative systems that open up new realms of possibilities. As diverse technological systems and their applications increasingly intersect, they catalyze the creation of novel opportunities, driving smarter, more efficient solutions.

As nations worldwide commit to electrification, the dynamics within the automotive market are consequently evolving to accommodate an increasing demand for electrification. This includes not only increasing the number of charging stations but also improving their management systems to ensure that they are available to those who need them when they need them.

Now is the ideal time to leverage cutting-edge technology and unlock new possibilities to address the rising demand for electrification.

Qualitative: hour-long interviews with both EV users and professionals working in the EV industry.

Primary Research

Quantitative: questionnaires

Problems

FOR EV OWNERS

"ICED" EV Spots

You want to charge your car, but all the EV spots are occupied, either by other electric vehicles or by internal combustion engine cars.

Out of Order Chargers

Harvard Business School research indicates that one in five public chargers in the US is out of order, and they often remain not repaired for extended periods.

Idle Fees

If drivers don't move their cars promptly, idle fees begin accruing 5 to 10 minutes after charging is complete.

Time Wasted

Concerned about idle fees, drivers often wait by their cars with their phones, leading to unnecessary time spent waiting.

FOR SYSTEM OPERATORS

https://www.mckinsey.com/features/mckinsey-center-for-future-mobility/our-insights/can-public-ev-fast-charging-stations-be-profitable-in-the-united-states

Underutilized Chargers Lead to Profit Loss

The problems that users encountered not only frustrates drivers who need to recharge but also results in lost revenue for service providers who cannot utilize their charging stations efficiently.

Heavy Digging Involved During Installation

For businesses, installing traditional chargers often require extensive digging. This can block off multiple parking spots and disrupt regular operations.

How might we develop a scalable and well-designed EV charging solution that optimizes operational efficiency for system operators while enhances convenience for users?

Challenge

Ideation

Charging Methods

Explored various charging methods, evaluate each concept in aspects like viability, difficulty of implementation, and future development, and eventually chose bot charging at it scored the highest overall.

Bot

>>

Station

Bot

Station

Battery Pack

Multiple bots (one for each car)

Reduce manufacturing expenses and expand service coverage

by modularization

One bot

Multiple rechargeable battery packs

One charging station

Public Parking Structure

Mall/Shopping Center

Stadium

Grocery

Theme Parks

Restaurant

Airport

Apartment Complex

Beachhead Market

Explored various beachhead market options for launching this new charging service. Identified shopping centers as the ideal choice, by using tools like the Business Model Canvas and the Opportunity Attractiveness Scale.

Mood Board

Slender

The design is envisioned with a tall and slender form to ensure visibility and enable smooth navigation in tight parking conditions

Sturdy

Exposed engineering elements keep people aware of operational areas, while a sturdy overall stance conveys reliability and durability.

Sleek

A predominantly white color palette underscores the design’s sleek, modern aesthetic and reflects sunlight to reduce heat buildup in the battery packs.

Form Exploration

AI Brainstorming

MidJourney as a quick brainstorming tool and got some inspiration.

Scale Study

I built a scaled mock-up using cardboard boxes and tested it in parking lots. By recording videos, I analyzed whether it obstructed driveways or interfered with other drivers and pedestrians.

Exploration & Refinement

Explore overall form and experiment with arrangements of key functions.

From Rhino exploration to detailed refinements and precise dimensioning in SolidWorks.

Iterations

3D-printed scaled models to refine the bot's stability. During the iteration process, I increased the width of the bot's base and gave it more robust-looking wheels to enhance its overall stability.

Graphic

Station Layout

To address the issues of underutilization and the extensive digging faced by system operators, I designed the station dimensions based on the U.S. standard parking spaces. This solution allows businesses to strategically choose locations closest to the grid for station installation, reducing disruption, conserving parking space, and simplifying installation.