EV charging cables could soon be too heavy for humans to lift, hence Tesla's robot arm
Earlier this month we reported on Tesla's new robot arm that automatically plugs a Model S into a charger with no human interaction. Since then further information has come to light about just why Tesla produced this robot. Apparently we are fast approaching a time where EV charging cables will actually be too heavy for humans to lift, hence the need for robots. Much of the R&amp;D in the EV industry is focussed on reducing charging time, by pumping more voltage into the car, which requires a much thicker, and therefore much heavier, cable.  
[#video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/uMM0lRfX6YI

Tesla Motors' video of a charger that plugs itself into the car, left us supremely creeped out. Obviously. The prototype autonomous arm has a shudder-inducing serpentine quality and conjures images of the robotic takeover that's just a matter of time.

CEO Elon Musk didn't bother to explain when it will be ready, what it will cost, or why his company is developing it. But we have two theories on that last question, and they indicate Tesla is doing more than eliminating yet another task that once required using our arms. This is exciting, even if you find the whole thing too weird for words.

The first reason you should be excited is it hints at the self-driving technology Musk promised last fall. Before long, Musk said, drivers will be able to summon their Model S to pick them up, as long as they're on private property (where DOT and other regulations don't apply). The car will park itself as well, an awesome feature that does little good if you must follow the car all the way to the garage and plug it in like those commoners with their Leafs and Volts. Better to let the car handle so menial a task.

The second reason you should be excited for this sovereign appendage: Charging cables soon may be too heavy to lift. Much of the R&D in the EV industry is focused on reducing charging time, most likely by pumping more voltage into the car. That requires a heavier cable. "It takes so much copper, or some blend of copper and something else, to deliver the energy," says Lee Stogner, who sits on the electric transportation committee of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. A thicker cable reduces resistance but increases weight. That's where having a robot doing the heavy lifting reveals its value.

Of course, wireless, inductive charging addresses both of these issues. The problem is such systems are behind conventional plug-in setups in terms efficiency, says Stogner. Plus, "there's some concern about the household cat getting scorched."

So get over your heebie jeebies and embrace this snake-charmed protuberance. Your muscles (or lack thereof) and your cat will thank you.