What Is an Automated Parking System and How Does It Work

Learn how automated parking systems work and find out what this growing trend means for future parking in cities.

The growing urban population and increased vehicle ownership has made it difficult to find safe, decent, and affordable parking spaces available in cities with a large population. In response to this growing problem, cities are turning to innovative parking solutions, such as various types of automated parking systems (APS), to manage increasing demand for parking. These systems use a combination of robotics, sensors, and software to park and retrieve vehicles quickly and safely, maximizing space and time efficiency for a seamless parking experience. They also minimize potential human error by removing the need for people to manually navigate around narrow spaces inside a traditional parking facility.

What Is an Automated Parking System?

Automated parking systems (APS) have emerged as a smart solution to the worsening urban congestion and greater difficulty in securing parking spaces in areas where available land is scarce. These innovative systems maximize space efficiency by automating the parking process and eliminating the need for traditional parking infrastructure. That is, instead of requiring a large property and having drivers manually navigate and park, automated parking systems park the vehicles without the need for human intervention.

Imagine a block puzzle game but, instead of moving blocks towards a designated space or exit, the system is moving vehicles from the entry bay to available spaces and retrieving them for drivers. Another image is that of a Ferris Wheel where each compartment carries a vehicle and rotates to another available compartment as needed – all a driver needs to do is to drive up an empty compartment and press some buttons or swipe or tap a card to identify their vehicle for storage and retrieval.

How Automated Parking Systems Work

APS uses advanced mechanical and computer-controlled technologies to securely park and retrieve vehicles to and from designated spaces without human drivers. The driver simply pulls into the parking bay and exits the vehicle. Once the driver clears the area, the system takes over to move the car to an available space within a compact, multi-level structure by using a combination of lifts, conveyors, shuttles, or robotic arms. Sensors and software track the exact location of each vehicle for efficient storage and quick retrieval process. To retrieve their car, the APS operator provides a means of identification which the driver will use at a kiosk or mobile app. The system then identifies and retrieves the correct vehicle being claimed and returns the vehicle to the entry point within minutes.

Types of Automated Parking Systems

There are a variety of automated parking system designs already in use at present, with each catering to different spatial and operational needs. Some of the most common systems in use include:

• Tower or vertical lift: Uses an elevator-like mechanism to vertically transport vehicles into parking slots stacked one above the other. These are suited to areas where only narrow plots of land are available, but have little issues in terms of structure height.
• Rotary or Ferris wheel models: Rotates cars in a circular motion to for vehicle parking and retrieval, and they are best suited for small spaces in which maneuvering a car in and out of parking spaces is difficult. These systems are usually compact and energy-efficient.

  

• Puzzle parking systems: Uses sliding platforms that shift both horizontally and vertically to rearrange vehicles. These systems may offer parking for a high capacity of vehicles.
• Shuttle systems: Uses robotic platforms that transport vehicles horizontally and vertically through the structure. They are usually fast and best suited for facilities that see high traffic volume.
• Flat bi-directional pallet systems: Use motorized pallets that slide vehicles into position along both axes, maximizing use of space without requiring turning mechanisms.
• Underground vaults: Automated parking structures where vehicles are lowered below ground by a lift and stored in concealed bays.

Pros and Cons of Automated Parking

APS may increase space and time efficiency, but as with any technology-based solution, there are still pros and cons to consider before promoting its widespread use.

Pros of Automated Parking Systems

1. Space Efficiency: APS structures usually allow a higher parking capacity for vehicle storage because it eliminates the need for ramps, wide drive aisles, and extra spaces in parking spots for door opening when getting on and off the vehicle.
2. Reduced Emissions: Engines are turned off while the system parks the car, which means lower greenhouse gas emissions. Likewise, most APS models incorporate energy-efficient technologies into the design.
3. Enhanced Safety and Security: For peace of mind, cars are usually stored in secure, non-accessible areas, reducing the risk of theft, vandalism, and accidental damage compared to parking along the street or in garages.
4. Easier and Faster Retrieval: Vehicle owners or drivers are provided a way to identify their vehicles (e.g., code, card, mobile application) without the need to recall the floor or parking slot they are parked in.

Cons of Automated Parking Systems

1. High Initial Cost: The technology, construction, and operational costs for automated systems tend to be significantly higher than traditional parking structures and may be passed on as high parking fees to drivers.
2. Mechanical Failures or Downtime: Many moving parts are involved when using APS and, though rare, system malfunctions happen and can delay vehicle retrieval. Efficient maintenance practices are necessary to ensure that the system continues to run smoothly.
3. Limited Flexibility: Most current systems have size and weight restrictions, making them unsuitable for oversized vehicles. Operators may offer custom-designed APS for oversized vehicles, but this may make the system more expensive to compensate for more appropriate parts to support the size and weight of larger vehicles.

Real-World Examples of Automated Parking

While automated parking systems are still not widely in use, adoption is continuously growing all over the world. According to a report published by Grand View Research, the 2023 APS market size in the U.S. alone was estimated at $434.5 million.

Some examples of Automated Parking Structures currently in operation include:

Hoboken Robotic Parking Garage: A 7-floor robotic parking system that can accommodate 314 vehicles, and which has been in operation since 2002.

UCLA Outpatient Surgery Center and Oncology Center: A shuttle system with six (6) parking levels retrofitted on a previously operational automated garage. Accommodates 233 vehicles.

One Grove, Downtown Jersey City: A puzzle parking system providing 73 parking spaces for a residential building.

Final Thoughts

Automated parking systems continue to transform the urban landscape by offering smarter, more efficient, and space-saving alternatives to traditional parking structures. These innovative systems are sure to play a key role in the future of both commercial and residential parking in urban areas worldwide.