Robot Refuels Cars While You Stay Inside

In Hangzhou, China, a new chapter in fuel service automation has begun with the introduction of the Yigoli Energy Arm—a robotic system that handles the entire vehicle refueling process without the need for human intervention. As cities worldwide look to streamline operations and improve service efficiency, this innovation brings a glimpse of the future to everyday infrastructure.

A Fully Automated Experience

The Yigoli Energy Arm is designed to make the act of refueling a vehicle as seamless and contactless as possible. Upon a vehicle’s arrival at the station, the robot springs into action. It starts by scanning the car using advanced laser radar (LiDAR) technology to detect the exact location of the fuel tank. Then, a mechanical support platform is positioned precisely under the fuel tank area.

What follows is a precise and methodical series of actions. 

A robotic arm, equipped with a multifunctional gripper, extends toward the tank. It unscrews the cap, sets it aside on the support tray, and prepares the nozzle for refueling. Once the cap is removed, the nozzle is automatically inserted, and fueling begins—without any input from the driver. After the tank is filled, the robot carefully returns the cap, secures it, and retracts, completing the job in less than two minutes.

Intelligent Technology at the Core

What sets this system apart is its high level of intelligence. The Yigoli Energy Arm is powered by artificial intelligence that enables it to recognize and adapt to more than 90% of standard vehicle fuel tank designs. The robot has been trained on a large database of car models, allowing it to detect the orientation, size, and threading of caps and fuel ports. This ensures the system can perform consistently and safely across a wide variety of vehicles.

In addition to the physical refueling task, the robot also manages the transactional aspects. A QR code is displayed on a screen near the vehicle for the driver to scan, which activates the payment and starts the service. Once complete, the payment is processed digitally—eliminating the need for any human cashier or attendant. The entire experience is not only fast but also fully automated from start to finish.

Looking Ahead

The success of the Yigoli Energy Arm in Hangzhou could serve as a model for gas stations in other cities and countries. As more governments and service providers look to adopt smart city technologies, robotic refueling may become a common feature—especially in regions where automation and AI integration are priorities.

Future iterations may also be designed to accommodate electric vehicle charging ports, expanding the robot's relevance as the transportation landscape evolves.