ROCSYS

High-Level Overview

ROCSYS is a Netherlands-based technology company founded in 2019 that develops autonomous charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), using soft robotics, computer vision, and data-driven services to automate plug-in and out for CCS and MCS connectors.[1][2] It serves fleet operators in sectors like public transportation, logistics, ports, material handling, and passenger cars, solving the problem of manual charging hassles, especially for autonomous vehicles, by enabling hands-free, opportunity charging that reduces battery sizes, vehicle weight, energy use, and operational risks while working with existing infrastructure via minimal retrofits.[1][3] The company shows strong growth momentum, with its first-generation ROC-1 product deployed in ports and fleets, a European Investment Bank loan funding next-gen models from 2023-2026, and the rugged Steward S2 launching in 2026 for broader compatibility.[3][7]

Origin Story

ROCSYS was co-founded in 2019 in Rijswijk, Netherlands, by Crijn Bouman (CEO), Kanter van Deurzen (Head of Development), and Joost van der Weijde (Head of Technology & IP).[1][2][3] Bouman, after graduating from Delft University and founding Epyon—Europe's first EV fast-charging company, acquired by ABB—gained global experience at ABB and spotted a gap in autonomous vehicle (AV) charging during a visit to an AV test site, inspiring the hands-free solution.[2][3] Van Deurzen, former CTO of computer vision firm Fizyr (serving Amazon and DHL), brought AI expertise, while van der Weijde, with a PhD in soft robotics and over a dozen patents including artificial muscles, enabled the robotic arm tech inspired by medical exoskeletons for cost-effective automation.[2][3] Early traction came via the ROC-1 product, now in use for ports and logistics, backed by a supervisory board including ex-Bain automotive partner Dr. Gregor Matthies and EV veteran Brett Hauser.[2][3]

Core Differentiators

• Soft Robotics and Computer Vision Integration: Uses touch-sensor robotic arms mimicking human actions for reliable, conductive charging with standard CCS connectors, avoiding vehicle modifications unlike pantographs or wireless alternatives; minimal infrastructure costs and future-proof for scaling.[1][3]
• Compatibility and Seamlessness: Works with existing EV fleets (buses, trucks, off-road) via simple retrofits, supporting opportunity charging for smaller batteries and higher availability; expanded in Steward S2 for all-weather, rugged use across robotaxis, ports, and more.[1][7]
• Cost-Effectiveness and Efficiency: Draws from exoskeleton tech to cut robotics costs; combines hardware with software for fleet optimization, data services, and developer-friendly automation.[1][3][6]
• Standards Leadership and Ecosystem: Collaborating with European carmakers on EV charging norms; core values of ownership and relentless invention drive customer-focused innovation.[2][3]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

ROCSYS rides the electrification and AV convergence trend, where EVs demand automated charging to achieve true autonomy—vehicles can't be fully self-driving if reliant on human plugging.[2][7] Timing aligns with mainstream EV adoption, renewable energy pushes, and fleet needs in logistics/ports, amplified by falling battery costs and regulations favoring smaller packs via opportunity charging.[1][3] Market forces like labor shortages for manual charging, port automation, and scaling pilots to fleets favor its minimal-retrofit model over pricier rivals.[1][5] It influences the ecosystem by standardizing robotic charging with OEMs, enabling sustainable fleet electrification, and bridging cleantech with AV infrastructure for light-to-heavy-duty applications.[3][6]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

ROCSYS is poised to dominate automated EV charging with Steward S2's 2026 launch, targeting carmakers, AV operators, and public stations for driverless recharging.[3][7] Trends like AV proliferation, port electrification, and industry standards will propel growth, especially with EIB-backed R&D yielding affordable models.[3] Its influence may evolve from niche fleets to widespread infrastructure, accelerating electric mobility as Bouman's vision—once dismissed—becomes integral to sustainable transport.[2][3] This positions ROCSYS as a key enabler in the electrified, autonomous future it helped pioneer.