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This website is intended to provide a general introduction to automated parking systems, which are also known as robotic or automatic parking garages or Automated Vehicle Storage and Retrieval Systems (AVSRSs). Automated parking is the automated storage, or parking, of vehicles with no human intervention. The technology used to do this is typically based on automated warehousing and there are several different technologies used in automated parking today.

Automated Parking System

From a driver’s perspective they simply park their vehicles in a parking module, somewhat similar to pulling into a single garage, and are guided to the correct parking position by sensors via a display sign. The drivers switch off their engines, all vehicle occupants leave the parking module, and the parking module door is closed to secure the module. Once the module is secured the vehicle is removed from the parking module and stored. When drivers return and request their vehicles, their vehicles are returned to a parking module, usually facing the correct direction, ready to be driven away.

Since there is no requirement for ramps, driveways and personnel access to the parking areas, automated parking can typically park twice the number of vehicles in the same volume as conventional parking. Or, conversely, park the same number of vehicles in half the volume.

Some of the potential advantages of automated parking over conventional parking are:

  • Reduced construction costs through less excavation, air rights saving and less construction time
  • Reduced operating costs through accelerated depreciation, lower ventilation and lighting requirements, lower operator costs and reduced insurance premiums
  • Reduced land cost due to smaller footprint
  • Added value from the space gained providing more leasable or sellable real estate
  • Improved entitlements for developers
  • More LEED points available
  • Safe and secure parking for drivers and their vehicles
  • Less CO2 emissions and more green spaces
  • All parking spaces can be ADA compliant