In a world where urban spaces are becoming increasingly crowded and parking headaches are a daily reality, imagine a world where finding the perfect parking spot is as effortless as pushing a button. Welcome to the realm of an automotive automated parking system (APS) – a revolutionary solution that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with mechanical precision.
So, let’s get started on the journey where convenience and efficiency reign supreme.
What is an Automotive Automated Parking System?
An automotive automated parking system is a mechanical system designed to optimize the area required for parking cars. It utilizes a combination of mechanical systems, sensors, and algorithms to enable the automatic parking of vehicles without the need for driver intervention. APS aims to maximize the utilization of parking spaces while minimizing land usage.
The demand for these systems is rising due to the integration of numerous technologies. A report by Extrapolate states that the Global Automotive Automated Parking System Market is expected to be worth $3.62 billion by 2028, progressing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.79% CAGR over 2021-2028.
Types of Automotive Automated Parking System
There are different types of automatic parking systems in automotive settings that exist. Its main types are mentioned below:
- Shuttle Parking System
The shuttle parking system uses a conveyor belt to facilitate vehicles' movement between the shuttle and the allotted parking space. Since shuttle systems are available in single-to-multi-level structures, they are ideal for outdoor and basement parking setups.
- Puzzle Parking System
It is a semi-automated parking system that employs various pallets for horizontal and vertical movements for parking operations, resembling a structure that looks like a puzzle. This system uses a lift carrier called the Car Pickup Pallet to transfer vehicles to the desired floor.
- Rotary Parking System
This system is designed to maximize parking availability by adjusting six cars within the area typically occupied by just two vehicles. This parking system employs a rotation mechanism, allowing an empty bay to be accessible for concurrent parking and retrials.
- Stacker Parking System
This parking system employs a robotic moving machine named "stacker" to park and retrieve vehicles. This technique reduces the time for parking operations, allowing efficient movement of vehicles in both vertical and horizontal directions.
- Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Parking System
AGV parking systems excel in enhancing efficiency within multi-level enclosed vaults. These systems possess the capability to navigate and rotate, facilitating vehicle parking on transfer cabins. AGVs are responsible for collecting and transporting vehicles to their designated destinations, streamlining the process.
- Rail-Guided Parking System
The rail-guided parking system, also known as the rail-guided car (RGC) approach, bears similarities to the AGV parking system but boasts a more straightforward design. It parks vehicles on pallets, retrieves them from underneath, and smoothly lifts them out of the system, making it an ideal choice for operation in compact spaces.
- Crane Parking System
This system includes a multi-level structure with a lift to transmit vehicles using both horizontal and vertical movements. This particular automotive automated parking system features a vertically positioned elevator platform designed for the placement and retrieval of vehicles.
- Silo Parking System
This parking technique uses centrally located mechanisms for the cylindrical parking and retrieval of vehicles. This approach allows axial positioning and simultaneous movement, making them ideal for underground construction in poor soil conditions.
- Tower Parking System
The tower parking system uses a vehicle elevator with a central unit that moves vertically to park and retrieve the vehicles. The system features a rotary method that turns the shaft 180 degrees, making it ideal for indoor use without causing vibration or noise.
Which Trends Are Propelling Automotive Automated Parking System Industry Growth?
The recent trends that drive the automotive APS industry are mentioned below:
1. Contactless Payment and Parking Apps
Contactless payment and parking apps are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and safety features. These apps enable users to find, pay, or control access to parking spots using their smartphones. Advancements in technology continue to drive the evolution of parking apps, introducing innovative features such as advanced reservations. These features not only save time and money but also provide valuable real-time information about available parking spots, particularly during peak hours.
For instance example, Mercedes-Benz launched Mercedes Pay in the US, enabling customers to utilize their vehicles as tools for booking and making contactless payments for off-street parking. This system, which can be controlled by voice, touch, or gesture, uses Parkopedia's parking data to find and reserve parking spaces.
2. IoT-Based Parking Systems
The incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in automotive automated parking systems is becoming more prevalent. IoT-enabled automated parking systems offer real-time monitoring, easy payment options, and optimized parking space management.
The best example of this technology is the ParkSmart solution, which uses IoT-enabled sensors to send real-time data to web applications or mobile websites, allowing drivers to know available parking spots. Research shows that IoT-enabled parking systems reduce parking search time by 43%, reducing carbon emissions. This hassle-free solution is ideal for hospitals, universities, airports, and city parking spaces.
3. Autonomous and Self-Driving Vehicles
Self-driving technology is a recent transportation trend that minimizes human interaction and automatically parks vehicles. It uses sensor-based parking technology for effective utilization of parking space.
For example, Knightscope Inc. and ABM recently deployed three autonomous robots at an international airport parking facility in the US. These self-driving robots can navigate, monitor, and provide data and actionable intelligence for operations without human intervention.
Efficiency Redefined
The automotive automated parking system represents a game-changing innovation in the field of parking solutions. With its ability to maximize parking space utilization, decrease land usage, and streamline the parking process, APS is paving the way for a more efficient and convenient future.
By incorporating advanced mechanical systems, IoT integration, and autonomous vehicle compatibility, APS is reshaping the urban landscape and transforming the way we park our vehicles. As we continue to embrace technological advancements, automotive APS will undoubtedly become a staple in cities around the world, alleviating parking woes and offering a glimpse into the future.
