In the past parking garages were very basic in design for human drivers to use. Over the years technology has played a role in how we think about parking. Early attempts at auto tech in parking were car lifts and conveyors which did not always have the best functionality. The shift to full scale automated parking came with the use of robots which do away with the need for drivers. At that time these systems also reduced the space that is required for parking as well as increased the number of vehicles which could fit in a given area. As the tech continues to advance we should see more efficient designs which in turn will reduce wait times and provide perfect parking experiences.
Artificial Intelligence in Parking Garages
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a growing force in the development of automated parking garages. AI which can study patterns of traffic flow, determine the best parking spots, and also which will in real time change the garage design based on what is in demand. Also they are able to learn from what they did in the past which in turn which improves their performance over time. As AI continues to advance we will see automated parking garages which are more reactive, which better meet the needs of the user, and which adapt to changes in parking use. To that end we have the LPR parking system which uses license plate recognition to identify and track vehicles. That technology sees to it that as cars enter or leave the garage they are accurately logged in which in turn which makes for a better and more secure experience for the user.
Integrating Smart Infrastructure and IoT
Smart integration of what we have in the present with what we are going to see in the future of automated parking garages is very exciting. In the case of IoT which is at the heart of this transformation we see sensors and devices that pay attention to all elements of the parking process from space availability to the state of the garage structure and the health of individual cars. They report back to the main system which in turn gives real time reports to the driver thus making their way through the garage a smooth experience. Also IoT plays a role in predictive maintenance which in turn identifies issues with the structure before they turn into large scale problems. By the use of IoT with the auto systems in place we are to see parking garages that run almost by themselves which in turn will reduce the need of human intervention and increase overall efficiency.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
As the world shifts towards sustainability we see that the future of automated parking garages is to have great leaps in eco-friendly design. These garages which will reduce carbon footprints do so by getting rid of the need for drivers to circle around looking for a spot which is a large element of the pollution in present parking lots. Also to that — in the future we may see automated garages that integrate renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines into the operation of the system which moves cars. Some very forward thinking designs also include green roofs and walls which in turn improve the environmental impact of the structure. In the future automated parking garages may play a large role in urban planning in the effort to create what are in essence smarter and more sustainable cities.
The Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the future of auto parking garages is bright, at present there are many issues which must be solved before they do become a standard solution. We see high initial cost as an issue which includes tech, infrastructure and research which is required to be put in. Also the regulatory structure for this is still in development which may present legal issues like liability and safety which we must also address. But the benefits are great. As the tech grows and becomes more affordable we will likely to see greater adoption of auto parking in commercial and residential settings.
