Hyundai is launching a pilot program for its new generation of parking robots, developed with the aim of solving the problem of limited parking spaces. This technology allows drivers to leave their vehicles at a designated point and depart.

The system aims to increase existing parking lot capacity by 20 to 50 percent by enabling vehicles to be parked much closer together. A consortium consisting of Hyundai Motor, Hyundai WIA, and Hyundai E&C is implementing this project in an apartment complex in Siheung, southwest of Seoul.

Details of Robotic Parking Technology

As part of the pilot program, a 53-vehicle space in the underground parking lot is managed by two sets of Hyundai WIA parking robots. These tiny robots, only 110 millimeters thick, can crawl under the vehicle, lift the wheels, and carry the entire vehicle.

Equipped with LiDAR sensors, robots can automatically park vehicles with loads up to 3,400 kilograms. Moving at a speed of 4.3 kilometers per hour, drivers can retrieve their vehicles by giving commands to the robots via a kiosk after handing them over.

Efficiency and Safety-Focused Solution

Since there is no need to open the car doors, cars can be positioned very close to each other. The robots’ ability to move in all directions facilitates access to narrow spaces, optimizing parking lot usage.

Hyundai aims to analyze data on waiting times, process volume, and utilization rates with this pilot study. The company also aims to develop a method to calculate the optimal number of parking spaces and robots for buildings.

What do you think about this new generation parking technology?