Gatwick Airport has started introducing robots to park passengers’ cars at its south terminal, creating what the airport describes as “the first robotic airport parking service in the UK.” The system is designed to help passengers park closer to the terminal while allowing robots to handle the parking process.
How Gatwick’s Robotic Parking Works
Drivers using the service drop off their vehicles in a private, secure garage before the airport’s robots take over. According to Gatwick Airport, the robots “will gently lift your car from underneath the wheels and park it for you in a safe, access-restricted parking area.”
The robots essentially operate like fully autonomous forklift trucks, but instead of carrying boxes, parts and raw materials, they transport cars. Their only contact with each vehicle is through the tires, using handles that grip around the rubber.
Because the robots do not touch the vehicle’s chassis, drivers can lock their cars and take their keys with them after leaving the vehicles in the garage.
Robots Can Handle 95% of Vehicle Models
The robotic parking system is compatible with 95% of all vehicle models, although some vehicles are excluded because of their dimensions, weight or features.
Vehicles that are not compatible include extra-long models such as pickup trucks, vehicles towing trailers and other vehicles with a wheelbase longer than 10.8 feet. Extra-tall vehicles measuring more than 7.5 feet in height, including those equipped with roof boxes, bicycle carriers or similar accessories, are also excluded.
The system also does not accommodate vehicles with less than 4.7 inches of ground clearance or vehicles weighing more than 5,732 pounds.
Examples of incompatible models include the Bentley Continental GT, Ford Ranger, Range Rover Sport Hybrid and Renault Trafic Van.
Robots Maximize Available Parking Space
Sky News tested the robotic parking service and found it convenient and efficient. Because the robots do not need to follow traditional parking markings, they can position vehicles very close to one another and make better use of the available space.
Stanley Robotics, the company that makes the robots, also addressed concerns about potential malfunctions. The company says that if a robot experiences a malfunction, it will simply stop and “won’t get crazy and try to damage cars.”
Security Around the Robotic Parking Area
The robotic parking area is protected by perimeter fencing, floodlighting and 24-hour security patrols. Automatic number plate recognition also monitors all vehicles entering and leaving the site.
With the robots handling the parking process and multiple security measures protecting the vehicles, Gatwick Airport’s new service is designed to provide passengers with a more automated way to park near the south terminal.
