The Beauty
of Charging
Design.
Order.
Longevity.
udoq combines industrial design and function in a modular charging dock that is as thoughtfully engineered as the devices it charges. Premium aluminum, patented, Made in Germany.
The mind behind udoq
Everyday chaos
As in millions of other households, the smartphone has played a central role in the everyday life of the Kuchler family for decades. Phone numbers, appointments, boarding passes – and countless other pieces of information are essential to getting through the day. Payment systems, bookings and social media have further increased the importance of mobile devices.
The problem: cable clutter and missing chargers
In the Kuchler family home, all the mobile devices would gather around a single power outlet in the evening. His two young sons – equipped with iPod and iPad – needed the same charging cables he used himself. Basket-like charging trays, with cables tangled underneath, brought no order. Cable ties and tape could not stop the boys from making chargers and power adapters disappear without a trace.
The moment of the idea
“How can a charging connector remain movable to charge different mobile devices, and still be permanently built into the docking station?”
The solution
After many attempts, the idea was born: create a thickened section on the charging plug that can slide back and forth in a rail, but cannot be removed. Hundreds of sketches, drafts and prototypes later, the current form of udoq emerged. As an industrial designer, Marcus was able to quickly translate form and function into an optimal shape – inspired by Apple, Bang & Olufsen and the principles of clean design.
From an Idea to the udoq Ecosystem
The Problem
Marcus Kuchler is unsuccessfully searching for a solution to his family's daily charging chaos. Tangled cables, missing power adapters and overcrowded outlets – there has to be a better way.
The Idea
The breakthrough: a charging plug with a widened section that can slide within a rail but cannot be removed. Hundreds of sketches and prototypes are created.
Patent and Company Foundation
The patent office grants protection for the sliding charging plug within the profile. udoq GmbH is founded in Munich. International patent applications in the USA, China, Japan and Europe follow.
Crowdfunding Campaigns
Successful campaigns on Kickstarter and Indiegogo support the market launch. The first udoq charging stations are delivered to enthusiastic early adopters around the world.
TV Show “Das Ding des Jahres”
udoq reaches a TV audience of millions in Germany. The exposure strengthens the brand and brings the modular charging station to the attention of a broad public.
Expansion of the High-Bay Warehouse in Feldkirchen
Growing demand requires greater capacity. A new high-bay warehouse in Feldkirchen near Munich enables faster delivery times and more efficient logistics. In addition, all udoq charging stations are assembled there.
USB-C Adapter with Power Delivery
A milestone for the ecosystem: the new USB-C adapter with Power Delivery enables fast charging even for demanding devices such as laptops and tablets.
udoq AMERICA Inc.
Foundation of the American subsidiary udoq AMERICA Ltd. A new warehouse significantly reduces delivery times for the North American market.
New Shopify Webshop
Launch of a new Shopify webshop – optimized for the European and American markets. Improved user experience, faster configurator, international focus and secure payment processing.
UNIVERSAL WIRELESS Adapter
The next generation: the new magnetic adapter combines even greater convenience with the proven udoq principle. Simply dock and charge securely.