What Is an Automated Parking Systems?
An AutomatedParking Systems (APS) is a smart building that parks cars usingrobots. Specifically, you stop your car at the door. Then, machines move itinside. Consequently, you do not drive inside the building.
To beginwith, imagine you live in a big city like Mumbai or Delhi. You go to a mallwith your family. First, you drive in circles for twenty minutes. Furthermore,you cannot find a place to park. Meanwhile, other cars honk loudly.Additionally, the air smells bad. As a result, your parents feel stressed.Indeed, this happens every day in India.
Here isthe good news. Naturally, we have smart parking solutions tohelp us. These machines are called Automated Parking Systems.People also call them APS or robotic car parking lots.
Whatexactly is an Automated Parking Systems (APS)?
An AutomatedParking Systems is a special kind of building. It parks cars withouthuman drivers inside. First, you drive your car to a gate. Then you stop in asmall room. Next, you turn off the engine. After that, you get out.Subsequently, robots take your car from there. They lift it up. Additionally,they move it sideways. Finally, they put it in a small slot. Later, when youcome back, the robots bring your car to you.
Why isAutomated Parking Systems important now?
Undoubtedly,old parking lots need big roads inside. Cars must drive up and down ramps.Consequently, this wastes a lot of space. On the other hand, multi-levelautomated parking does not need ramps. Instead, it stacks cars likebooks on a shelf. As a result, this saves half the space.
Today, automatedparking systems is not just fancy technology. In fact, it is a needfor our cities. Additionally, it helps us build clean and smart cities.
First,you park in an entry bay. Then, a robot platform lifts your car. Next, anelevator moves it up or down. After that, a shuttle slides it into a slot.Finally, when you return, the process reverses.
Now then,let us look at the steps. We will use very simple words. Additionally, think ofthis as a factory that parks cars for you.
First,you drive to the Automated Parking System building. You see a small garageroom. Consequently, this is called the entry bay. You drive inside. Then youstop the car. Next, you turn off the engine. After that, you take your keys andphone. Finally, you step out of the car.
Meanwhile,a screen on the wall shows you a ticket. Alternatively, you scan a QR code withyour phone. As a result, the computer now knows your car is here. It also knowswhat time you came.
Next, aflat metal sheet moves under your car. This sheet is called a pallet. In otherwords, it is like a robot tray. Some systems use platforms instead of pallets.Either way, the tray lifts your car slightly off the ground.
Importantpoint: Yourcar engine is off now. Consequently, it is not running. This saves petrol.Additionally, it stops smoke from coming out.
Now then,the magic starts. The tray carries your car to a lift. The lift is like a bigelevator. It can go up many floors. Alternatively, it can go down to a basementunder the ground.
The liftmoves your car to the right level. This happens very fast. In fact, it usuallytakes less than one minute.
Afterthat, a shuttle takes over. A shuttle is like a small train or cart. It runs ontracks. Moreover, it slides under your car's tray. It lifts the tray. Then itdrives down a lane. Subsequently, it finds an empty parking slot.
Theshuttle places your car in its home. This slot is very small. There is no extraspace for opening doors. Furthermore, there is no space for walking.Consequently, this is why we save so much space.
When youcome back, you go to the exit area. Then you scan your ticket or phone. As aresult, the computer remembers exactly where your car is. The shuttle goes toget it. Next, the lift brings it down. Finally, the tray moves your car to theexit bay. You get in and drive away.
TheSimple Technology Behind Automated Parking System
You mightwonder. How do the machines know what to do? Here then, are the simple partsexplained:
Part Name
Simple Job
Easy Example
Sensors
They see and check things
Like your eyes or your phone camera
PLC (Brain)
It gives commands
Like a remote control for toys
Motors
They move things
Like the engine in your toy car
Software
It remembers everything
Like a video game saving your score
Thesensors check if your car is the right size. Additionally, they check if thepath is clear. The PLC is a small computer. It tells the lift when to go up.Moreover, it tells the shuttle when to move. All parts talk to each other likea team. Consequently, they work together smoothly.
There arefour main types. First, puzzle systems slide cars like a game. Second, towersystems stack cars high up. Third, shuttle systems use carts for big areas.Finally, valet systems offer luxury service.
Notall robot parking buildings look the same. Consequently,different places need different types. So then, let us look at each type one byone. Additionally, we will see where they work best.
What isit?
Thissystem looks like a sliding puzzle game. You know the game with square blocksthat slide around? This works the same way. First, cars sit on metal trays.Then, the trays move left, right, up, and down.
How itworks:
There aremany levels in this system. Additionally, there are some empty spaces. Thetrays slide around to make room. If your car is in the back, the system movesother cars out of the way first. Subsequently, it brings your car to the exit.
Best for:
Smallbuildings. Furthermore, office complexes. Additionally, small hospitals.Moreover, shopping centers in small towns. Consequently, places that need topark 20 to 100 cars.
TheNumbers:
Feature
Puzzle Parking Facts
Space saved
40% to 50% less land needed
Time to get car
1 to 2 minutes
Best height
2 to 10 floors high
Cost
Lower than other types
Why it isgood:
It fitsin tight spaces. Furthermore, you do not need to dig deep holes. You can put itin old buildings that are being fixed. Additionally, it costs less money thanbig towers. In fact, it is like playing Tetris with real cars.
What isit?
Thislooks like a tall round building. Alternatively, it looks like a tall box. Itgoes up very high. Some towers have 20 to 25 levels. Consequently, it is like aFerris wheel for cars.
How itworks:
First,you park in a cabin at the bottom. Next, a big lift takes your car up. Thetower has slots all around it like a beehive. Finally, the lift puts your carin a slot high up.
Two Kindsof Towers:
Best for:
Verycrowded cities. Additionally, places near metro stations. Moreover, high-riseapartments in Bangalore or Mumbai. Furthermore, big shopping malls.
TheNumbers:
Feature
Tower Parking Facts
Space saved
60% to 70% less land needed
Cars per system
50 to 300 cars
Land needed
Very small (just 2 or 3 car spaces)
Time to get car
60 to 120 seconds
Why it isgood:
It usesair space instead of ground space. Consequently, you can park 100 cars on landthat normally holds only 10 cars. Additionally, it looks modern and cool. Infact, it can become a landmark in your city.
What isit?
This typeis for big parking areas. For example, think of airports. Additionally, thinkof big basements under shopping malls. Shuttle-based automated parking usessmall robot carts. These run on tracks. Consequently, they carry cars to faraway spots.
How itworks:
First,your car sits on a tray. Next, a lift takes you down to a big open floor. Then,a shuttle (the robot cart) comes under your tray. It lifts the tray. Moreover,it drives down a long lane. It puts your car in a spot far away. Finally, itgoes back to get another car.
Best for:
Bigbuildings with 200 to 1000 cars. Additionally, airport parking. Moreover,convention centers. Furthermore, big hospital complexes. Consequently, city busdepots.
TheNumbers:
Feature
Shuttle System Facts
Space saved
50% to 60% less land needed
Flexibility
Very high
Speed
Very fast (many shuttles work together)
Best for
Large underground basements
Why it isgood:
Manyshuttles can work at the same time. Consequently, ten people can get their carsat once. The system is very fast for big crowds. Additionally, it can handlebig SUVs and small cars easily. In fact, it is like having many robot helpersinstead of just one.
What isit?
This isthe luxury type. It works like a five-star hotel valet service. However, thereis no human driver. First, you drop your car at a fancy entry door. Then,robots do everything else.
How itworks:
You driveinto a special room. The floor is a big turntable. Consequently, it turns yourcar around to face the exit. Then, a special robot slides under your car. Itlifts the wheels. Moreover, it carries your car away like a waiter carrying atray.
When youcome back, your car is waiting for you. Additionally, it is already facing thedoor. You just get in and drive away. Consequently, you never walk through aparking lot.
Best for:
Luxuryapartments in big cities. Furthermore, five-star hotels. Additionally, premiumoffice buildings. Moreover, high-end shopping areas.
TheNumbers:
Feature
Automated Valet Facts
Convenience
Very high (no walking at all)
Space saved
40% to 50% less land needed
Safety
Maximum (no humans near cars)
Cost
Higher investment than others
Why it isgood:
You neverhave to walk through a dark parking area. Consequently, you are safe.Furthermore, your car is safe from scratches. In fact, it feels like magic.Additionally, you save a lot of time.
AutomatedParking Systems savehalf the space. Moreover, they stop accidents and theft. Additionally, theyreduce air pollution. Consequently, they cost less to run because they need nolights or fans inside.
Now then,you know the types. However, why should builders choose these smartparking solutions? So then, let us look at the four big wins in simplewords.
Regularparking needs big ramps inside. Ramps are roads that go up and down. Cars mustdrive on them. Consequently, this takes up 30% of the building space.Additionally, cars need space to turn around. Moreover, people need space towalk. Furthermore, doors need space to open.
On the otherhand, multi-level automated parking does not need ramps.Instead, cars do not drive inside. Rather, robots move cars sideways.Consequently, we can park cars very close together. Additionally, we can stackthem high up like a bookshelf.
TheNumbers:
Parking Type
Cars per 1000 square feet
Space Efficiency
Open Ground Parking
12 to 15 cars
100% (normal)
Traditional Basement
25 to 30 cars
200% (double)
Automated Parking
50 to 70 cars
400% to 500% (five times)
Thismeans a builder can sell more apartments. Consequently, they can use the savedspace for gardens or shops. For example, in cities like Mumbai where land costsRs. 50,000 per square foot, this saves crores of rupees.
In normalparking lots, bad things happen. For example, people scratch cars whileparking. Additionally, thieves break windows. Moreover, people feel unsafewalking in dark corners. Furthermore, drivers hit pillars while reversing.
In contrast,in APS, no people go inside the parking area. Consequently, onlyrobots move there. The lights can be off inside. Therefore, no one can stealfrom cars. Additionally, no one can scratch your door. Your car sits in a metalbox. As a result, it is locked away safe.
SafetyStats:
When youdrive around looking for parking, your car makes smoke. Scientists call this"cruising emissions." In fact, in big cities, 30% of traffic is justpeople looking for parking spots.
Incontrast, in robotic car parking, you turn off your engine in 20seconds. The robots use electricity. Consequently, they do not burn petrol.Additionally, APS buildings need less concrete. They aresmaller buildings. Therefore, this means less construction pollution too.
GreenBenefits:
Factor
Traditional Parking
Automated Parking
CO2 per parking
200 to 400 grams
20 to 50 grams
Energy for lights
100% (always on)
10% (only entry needs light)
Ventilation power
High (fans needed for smoke)
Low (no running engines)
One automatedparking system in Delhi saved 15 tonnes of CO2 in one year. That islike planting 700 trees. Imagine if every building used this system.Consequently, our cities would have cleaner air.
Running aparking lot costs money. For example, you need security guards. Additionally,you need cleaning staff. Moreover, you need bright lights all day and night.Furthermore, you need big fans to remove smoke. You also need paint for linemarkings on the floor.
Incomparison, space-saving parking needs very little of this.Consequently, no guards are needed inside the parking zone. No cleaning insidebecause no people drop trash. Lights only need to work at the entry point.Additionally, no ramps mean less concrete to fix when it cracks.
CostSavings:
APS costs more to build atfirst. However, it saves money every year. Additionally, it creates more spaceto sell or rent. Consequently, most systems pay back their cost in 5 to 7years.
Admittedly,builders often worry about costs. Yes, automated parking costsmore than simple concrete ramps at the start. However, let us look at the fullpicture with simple math.
A regularbasement might cost Rs. 1,500 per square foot to build. In contrast, an APS mightcost Rs. 3,000 per square foot. This looks like double the cost at first.
However,remember these points:
SimpleROI Table:
Cost Factor
Traditional Parking
Automated Parking
Build cost per slot
Rs. 3-4 Lakhs
Rs. 6-8 Lakhs
Slots per 1000 sq ft
2 to 3 cars
6 to 8 cars
Total value you create
Rs. 9-12 Lakhs
Rs. 36-64 Lakhs
Yearly running cost
Rs. 50,000
Rs. 15,000
Payback time
Not applicable
5 to 7 years
Aresidential tower in Hyderabad had space for only 50 cars using old methods.However, the builder installed a Puzzle Parking System.Consequently, now the same space holds 140 cars. The builder sold 90 extraparking spots. As a result, they earned Rs. 4.5 crores extra money. In fact,the system paid for itself in the first year itself.
Pick acompany with experience. Furthermore, look for safety certificates.Additionally, check if they offer 24-hour help. Consequently, make sure theyhave a local service team in India.
Undoubtedly,installing a smart parking solution is a big decision. Youwant it to work for 20 years without trouble. Therefore, you need a partner youcan trust. So then, here is what to look for in simple words.
Everybuilding is different. For example, some have short ceilings. Additionally,some have odd shapes. Moreover, some need to hold small cars. Furthermore, someneed to hold big SUVs and vans.
A goodcompany will study your site first. Consequently, they will measure everythingcarefully. Then they design a system just for you. They do not force a standardbox into your building. Instead, they make the system fit your building like acustom-made shirt.
Admittedly,machines can break sometimes. Consequently, what if your car gets stuck atmidnight? You need a company with a local team in your city. They should answerthe phone 24 hours a day. Additionally, they should come fix problems fast.
Look forcompanies with service centers in India. Ask about their response time. Goodcompanies promise to fix issues within 2 hours of your call.
Whenchoosing a partner, check their trust marks carefully:
ARAPL asan Example:
ARAPL isa company that builds these automated parking systems inIndia. In fact, they are listed on Indian stock exchanges (BSE and NSE).Consequently, this means they follow strict government rules. Additionally,they have built systems across many Indian cities. Moreover, they offer 24/7support with local teams. Furthermore, they customize every project for thesite. Therefore, this is the kind of partner you want for your building.
Future automatedparking systems will charge electric cars. Additionally, you will bookspots with your phone. Moreover, AI will predict busy times. Consequently, carsmight even park themselves soon.
Currently,technology keeps moving forward. Therefore, here is what is coming next in theworld of robotic car parking.
Nowadays,many people in India buy electric cars (EVs). These cars need charging points.Consequently, future APS will have charging points in everyparking slot. While your car sits parked, it charges its battery. When you comeback, the battery is full. Therefore, you never have to visit a petrol pump orcharging station separately.
Prediction: By 2030, 70% of new automatedparking systems will include EV charging as standard feature.
Soon, youwill use your phone for everything. For example, you will see a map of emptyslots before you leave home. Additionally, you will book a spot early. Thesystem will hold it for you. When you arrive, you scan a QR code. Consequently,the system knows you are there.
When youare ready to leave, you press a button in the app while walking to thebuilding. As a result, your car is waiting when you reach the exit. This savesyou waiting time.
ArtificialIntelligence (AI) will watch parking patterns. Consequently, it will learn thatmornings are busy at offices. Additionally, evenings are busy at malls.Therefore, it will move cars around at night when no one is there. It will keepthe cars that leave early near the exit. As a result, this makes getting yourcar back faster.
AI willalso predict when parts need fixing. Consequently, it will fix them before theybreak. Therefore, this means the system never stops working.
In thenear future, cars will drive themselves. Furthermore, they will talk to theparking building using the internet. Your car will drop you at the mall door.Then, it will drive into the APS alone. Consequently, it will parkitself. When you need it, you call it with your phone. It comes out and drivesto you automatically.
AutomatedParking Systems solvecity crowding. Additionally, they save space and money. Moreover, they are safeand clean. Consequently, every new building should think about using them.
Currently,cities are growing very fast. In fact, India will have 600 million peopleliving in cities by 2030. That is less than six years away. Therefore, wecannot waste space on empty ramps and driving lanes. Additionally, we cannotbreathe dirty air from cars searching for spots.
Multi-levelautomated parking isthe bridge to the future. Consequently, it lets us keep our cars withoutdestroying our cities. It gives us safety for our vehicles. Additionally, itgives us clean air to breathe. Furthermore, it gives builders more value fortheir money.
Thetechnology is ready now. Moreover, the costs make sense. Therefore, the time toact is today.
Are youlooking to maximize your parking capacity?
Talk toautomation experts at ARAPL today. Ask for a site feasibility study. See howmany extra cars you can fit in your building. Additionally, see how much moneyyou can save. Build smarter. Consequently, build for the future of India.
