By ATN Editorial Team
Summary: Rocsys has launched the S2, a next-generation hands-free EV charging system for heavy-duty electric fleets in ports, distribution centres and other logistics facilities. The robotic plug-in solution is the second generation of the company’s purpose-built steward, follows the field-proven ROC-1, and is now in commercial deployment with first orders already secured.
Key engineering takeaway: The S2 uses computer vision and motion intelligence to locate a vehicle’s charging inlet with sub-millimetre precision, adapting in real time to rain, dust, shadows and low light. A 7-motor controller architecture, IP-rated components and adaptable force absorption underpin a claimed 99.9% plug-in success rate, while vehicle-to-steward communication runs over Rocsys’ in-house Smart Cover using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) for cross-OEM interoperability across mixed fleets and chargers.
Why it matters: As heavy-duty electric fleets scale at ports, terminals and distribution hubs, repeated manual plug-ins are becoming a labour, safety and uptime constraint. Hands-free EV charging that integrates into existing site infrastructure with minimal civil work, and that supports mixed vehicles and charger types out of the box, is the operational hinge between EV truck and yard-tractor adoption and round-the-clock site throughput.
Rocsys, the global leader in hands-free charging for electric and autonomous vehicles, today launched the S2, its next-generation hands-free charging solution for heavy-duty electric vehicles operating in demanding environments. Part of Rocsys’ expanding portfolio of stewards, including the recently unveiled M1, the S2 is now available to order for ports, distribution hubs and other logistics facilities.
Rocsys has delivered its first S2 to a large-scale port customer, marking the solution’s move into active customer deployment. For American organizations with domestic sourcing requirements, Rocsys can provide configurations that support Build America, Buy America compliance.
As heavy-duty electric fleets scale, charging operations need to keep vehicles ready without adding complexity to already demanding site workflows. In ports, terminals and logistics hubs, repeated plug-in tasks must be coordinated across shifts, vehicle types, chargers, weather conditions and tight operating schedules. Rocsys S2 is designed to make that process more consistent, predictable and easier to integrate into day-to-day operations, delivering higher utilization, tighter coordination and safer day-to-day performance.
Drawing on the field-validated success and learnings of Rocsys’ previous generation, ROC-1, the S2 delivers a smaller footprint, simpler installation, greater range of motion and enhanced durability for outdoor operation in tough conditions. Trained on more than six years of Rocsys field experience, including ROC-1 deployments in Europe and North America, the Rocsys S2 is engineered for maximum reliability in live operations, keeping vehicles charged and ready whenever they’re needed, even in the most challenging work situations.
Hands-Free EV Charging In Standard And Heavy-Duty Configurations
S2 is available in two configurations. The standard S2 is intended for general fleet environments, while the S2-H heavy-duty version adds more protective features, including enhanced coating, beacon lighting and reflectors, for harsher industrial settings. IP-rated components, adaptable force absorption, and a 7-motor controller architecture support safe, consistent, and predictable performance.
Using computer vision and motion intelligence, the S2 identifies the position and orientation of a vehicle’s charging inlet with sub-millimeter precision and adapts in real time to variations in parking position and site conditions, including rain, dust, shadows and low light. The result is a 99.9% plug-in success rate and continuous improvement through machine learning, making it well-suited to high-throughput operations where consistency and uptime are key.
The S2 supports multi-vendor interoperability across mixed fleets and charger types. Vehicle-to-steward communication is enabled by the in-house-designed Rocsys Smart Cover, which allows any vehicle to connect with any steward via Ultra-Wideband (UWB). The arm’s flexible motion and wide vertical work range accommodate different vehicle geometries and parking variations, while the reduced footprint and easy-to-deploy design simplify integration into existing sites with minimal or no civil work.
Commercial Availability And Deployment
Part of the Rocsys Platform, a complete ecosystem combining hardware, software, and remote and onsite services, the S2 can also be integrated with fleet management and terminal systems via APIs, giving operators greater visibility and control over charging operations.
Rocsys is showcasing the S2 at ACT Expo in Las Vegas, May 4-6, and at TOC Europe in Hamburg, Germany, May 19-21.
Crijn Bouman, CEO and Co-Founder of Rocsys, said: “Rocsys S2 brings our hands-free charging technology into its next commercial phase. Heavy-duty electric fleets need charging infrastructure that works reliably in real operating conditions, across mixed vehicles, chargers and site layouts. Built on more than six years of field experience, S2 gives customers a practical way to add hands-free charging to existing operations and keep vehicles ready when they are needed.”
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