A QUICK AND SIMPLE PARKING PROCESS
The automated parking system works with a combination of conveyance devices, software technology, and a mobile app for the best user experience. The system consists of an array of electro-mechanical infrastructure and computer-controlled robots. The conveying devices are capable of vertical and horizontal movement and used to store/retrieve vehicles to/from available multi-depth parking positions without human intervention. The system characteristics are:
Electro-mechanical conveying devices
Enclosed structure, single-level or multi-level structure
Multidimensional/multidirectional/multi-depth movements
Entry/Exit bay rooms
No humans walk inside the automated parking garage or drive vehicles within the structure. That enables high-density parking and efficient land-use. With no ramps, turning radii, or pedestrian walkways needed, the system utilizes the structure efficiently and free up valuable space for more units or amenities.
In many projects, implementing our automated parking system resulted in saving 50% of the required space, compared to conventional parking.
How the Parking Process Works
The automated parking system works differently than a conventional one. Not only the process is shorter, but it also requires less driver involvement. Similar to a valet parking service, just without the valet.
The automated parking system consists of several bay rooms s for storing and retrieving vehicles.
The driver approaches the bay with the car and stops at the marked sign. A rolling door opens and the user drives the car into the bay where it is measured by sensors and guided to the correct position by instructions on a screen in front of the driver. When the car is correctly positioned, the driver gets an on-screen approval that the car is ready to be parked.
The driver then exits the car and locks it, leaves the bay room and goes to the kiosk to complete the parking procedure. The parking process is initiated using the U-tron mobile App or at the kiosk payment machine with card swipe or by pulling a pay ticket.
When the request at the app/kiosk is complete, the bay door closes, and sensors sweep the room to detect that there is no movement outside the car. According to the car’s dimensions, a shuttle system retrieves the car from the bay and stores it in a suitable place.
The Bay room is now ready for another car to be parked, or for a car to be retrieved from storage.
How The Retrieval Process Works
While the automated parking process works similarly to a conventional one, the retrieval process is different. Drivers are not expected to reach their vehicles inside the garage. They don’t walk inside or take elevators. They do not need to remember their parking number or floor. Drivers simply need to request their vehicles using a kiosk or a mobile app and wait. The system will soon deliver their vehicle.
The driver uses the app or swipes a personal card at the kiosk payment machine (or pays the parking fee), which triggers a request to retrieve the car.
The Kiosk screen displays the current request in the queue, together with requests from other drivers.
The automated shuttle system retrieves the car from storage and delivers it to an empty bay room.
The screen now shows the bay room in which the retrieved car will be delivered.
The designated bay room door opens with the car facing out and ready to go. All the user needs to do is get in and drive straight out.
General FAQ
What is the biggest benefit of an automated parking system?
The automated parking system saves a significant amount of parking space, allowing that space to be used for other purposes. Also, it can fit very tight or odd-shaped sites.
Can a system fit into an existing enclosed structure?
Typically no. Each automated parking system is custom-designed for a specific project. However, U-tron has managed to retrofit existing garages. Check out our projects for more information.
When should I engage with an automated parking vendor?
To get the most efficient space-saving design it is recommended that the automated parking vendor be involved at the Schematic Design stage, and no later than the start of the Design Development stage.
What is the most important thing I should know about automated parking?
Automated parking systems are designed to achieve performance level (i.e. how many cars the system can process in a given time frame). The cost-per-space may change for various performance levels. For more information about the system’s cost, check out our blog.
