Parking automation is a rapidly evolving sector, with companies innovating to solve the challenges of urban congestion, land scarcity, and environmental impact. Here are six extraordinary parking automation solutions by companies leading the way in the parking (space) space!
How big is the parking automation opportunity?
According to Grand View research, the global market for automated parking systems is expanding rapidly. By 2030 it will be worth $6.66b.
Why the interest in smart parking?
The sector is solving pressing global challenges around security, space and pollution management in crowded urban centres.
But the embrace of these solutions around the world is also presenting new challenges of customisation, execution and servicing for specialist hardware developers.
On the cutting edge of mechatronic capability
When it comes to delivering complex mechatronic solutions, it rarely gets more complex than parking automation. Managing the on-demand parking, storage and retrieval of high-value vehicles in the tightest of spaces, can test the integration of sensor technology, mechanical engineering and software to the limit.
From automated parking guidance systems (APGS) to rotary and puzzle parking systems, here we profile 6 smart tech companies showing what’s possible:
Six companies leading the way in parking automation systems
1. Robotic valet systems by Stanley Robotics
Stanley Robotics is a leader in robotic parking systems, using autonomous robots to move cars in and out of available parking spaces.
Their parking solution, "Stan," (commonly found in airports and other long-stay car parks) allows drivers to drop their car at a designated bay where a robot takes over, lifting the car and autonomously manoeuvring it to an available parking spot.
This optimises space utilisation and reduces the need for human-driven search time, which in turn reduces emissions. It's a "set it and forget it" automatic parking system that redefines the valet parking experience.
2. Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs) from The Automated Parking Company
The Automated Parking Company (TAPCO) offers a robotic AGV (Autonomous Guided Vehicle) system, featuring a a fully automated, omni-directional, and battery-operated pallet for moving vehicles.
This automated car parking system is particularly effective at creating dense, space-efficient parking configurations. The AGVs can precisely manoeuvre cars, eliminating the need for wide driving aisles and ramps, dramatically increasingthe number of cars that can be stored in a given footprint.
Learn more at their official website: https://theautomatedparkingcompany.com/
3. AI-Powered Parking Management by Parkstory
Parkstory focuses on creating a seamless and user-friendly parking experience using AI-powered systems in groundbreaking ways.
As a car approaches the ‘parking lounge’, the parking management system identifies the vehicle via license plate recognition or a QR code. It then checks for requirements such as EV charging or barrier-free access, and guides the car into the assigned cabin with clear visual aids.
The vehicle is positioned on a pallet, optionally connected to integrated charging sockets, and precisely measured before being stored. Once the driver exits from the stable and well-lit cabin, the automated parking process begins.
For retrieval, the driver simply uses the app or license plate recognition, and the vehicle is delivered back to the transfer cabin, ready for collection.
The EV charging facility is also able to meter the electricity consumption for each car and handle billing and payment.
4. Smart parking guidance with vehicle detection by ParkHelp
ParkHelp has developed advanced parking guidance technologies that do far more than display basic “full/empty” signs. By combining indoor and outdoor detection systems with real-time digital signage and mobile app integration, their solutions make it faster and easier for drivers to locate an available parking spot. This not only improves the user experience but also reduces congestion, emissions, and stress in busy parking facilities such as airports, shopping malls, and large car parks.
Key features:
- Ultrasonic indoor sensors: Mounted above each parking space to detect vehicle presence instantly with integrated RGB LED lights to indicate availability.
- Camera-based indoor systems: A single unit monitors multiple bays at once, incorporates license plate recognition (LPR), and provides LED guidance and enhanced security.
- Wireless ground sensors (outdoor lots): Installed directly in each bay, these rugged, weather-resistant sensors provide real-time occupancy detection.
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Camera-based outdoor systems: Pole-mounted cameras scan rows of parking spaces, sending live data to digital signage and apps to improve accuracy and driver guidance.
5. Barrier automation for security and control
Automatic Systems delivers smart, integrated automated parking solutions for access control - from everyday car park flow to high-security scenarios. Their automatic parking systems transform physical barriers into intelligent, automated security assets.
- Seamless vehicle flow: Barriers like their BL 261 Toll are engineered for high-speed, high-cycle automatic parking, ensuring fast, uninterrupted traffic at tolls and car parks without manual input.
- Smart access control: The SlimLane speed gate uses advanced sensors to automatically grant access and prevent tailgating, enabling secure, contactless entry for pedestrians.
- Autonomous threat response: In critical situations, the BL M50 barrier auto-deploys with impact resistance, providing a fast, reliable defense against threats. This automatic parking system can stop a 7.5-ton truck traveling at 80 km/h.
6. Puzzle parking systems by Parkmatic
Parkmatic specialises in mechanical and automated car parking systems that create far more capacity in less space. Two of their standout technologies are the Carousel (Rotary) Parking System and the Puzzle Parking System.
The Carousel (Rotary) System can accommodate up to 14 SUVs or 16 sedans in the footprint of just two conventional parking spaces. Drivers simply select their bay via keypad, fob key, or mobile app, and the system rotates automatically—clockwise or counter clockwise, whichever is faster—to bring the vehicle to ground level. Fully automated and attendant-free, it’s a compact, user-friendly solution for urban car parks, residential towers, and dealerships where space is scarce.
The Puzzle Parking System takes a different approach, using a lift-and-slide pallet mechanism to move cars horizontally and vertically—up, down, left, or right—while keeping every vehicle independently accessible. Configurable up to four levels above ground (plus one underground pit level), it allows developers to significantly expand parking capacity without compromising on convenience or speed.
Together, these automated parking systems offer smart, scalable solutions for maximising land use in crowded urban environments—proving that with the right mechatronic design, even the tightest footprints can deliver efficient, reliable parking.
Why innovators may be looking for new manufacturing partners
As smart cities rise from the ground up and existing infrastructure undergoes retrofitting, demand is surging for advanced parking automation solutions that can adapt to diverse, challenging environments.
The companies that will lead this evolution are those capable of delivering rapid innovation, deep customisation, and scalable, end-to-end manufacturing across global markets.
But scaling at speed - while maintaining the existing standards of quality and reliability - can be a serious challenge.
That's why many companies are looking to outsource.
What OEMs should be looking for in manufacturing partners
From early-stage design and prototyping to global logistics, the right manufacturing partner can help accelerate innovation and extend global reach for many regional players:
Engineered for the real world
Big systems come with big challenges - from tight footprints and heritage buildings to irregular layouts. A D&D partner with experience in large-format project delivery can develop tailored mechatronic and sensor solutions that work where others can't.
Testing that mirrors reality
Complex environments call for more than generic testing. Advanced manufacturing partners can simulate real-world stress, climate, and usage - so your systems perform where it matters most.
Unlocking next-gen tech
Multi-skilled, end-to-end partners can bring help you bring together EV charging, machine vision, robotics, and embedded AI software systems - bridging innovation gaps and accelerating your product roadmap.
Smarter sensor integration
Modern systems rely on multiple sensing layers. With the right partner, LiDAR, imaging, lighting, and biometrics can be fused into one intelligent platform. Skilled manufacturers can bring deep expertise in microelectronics to help with mechatronic functionality. In the case of Blickfeld’s Qb2, the world’s first smart 3D LiDAR sensor, ESCATECs skills in advanced design and micro-assembly helped prototype and build a powerful sensor solution for use in industrial settings.
Compliance without the chaos
Deploying globally can mean navigating a minefield of local standards. Partners experienced in multi-market compliance help adapt designs fast - keeping launches on track.
Built to move
Large, custom systems demand specific logistic capabilities. Scalable partners manage complex builds and get your solution on-site, on time, and installation-ready - wherever it’s going.
Supply chains that scale with you
Big builds need secure, flexible supply chains. The right partner manages sourcing across regions, navigates disruptions, and ensures critical components arrive on time - even as volumes and specs evolve.
Support that never sleeps
In high-stakes systems like automated parking, downtime isn’t an option. Global aftercare - including rapid service, remote diagnostics, and regionally based support - ensures issues are resolved before they become crises.
Finding a new space in the smart parking market
The companies that lead the future of automated parking will do more than design brilliant technology. They will build ecosystems of strong partners who can keep pace with innovation, compliance, and global demand.
Competitors are already making these moves - upgrading supply chains, demanding stronger validation, and strengthening logistics. The message is clear: technology alone is not enough. Real power lies in integration, collaboration, and the ability to evolve with every parking project and every market.
