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!
According to Grand View research, the global market for automated parking systems is expanding rapidly. By 2030 it will be worth $6.66b.
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.
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:
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.
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/
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Deploying globally can mean navigating a minefield of local standards. Partners experienced in multi-market compliance help adapt designs fast - keeping launches on track.
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.
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.
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.
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.