The growing global population and increasing traffic have led to a surge in related challenges. As the population expands, the demand for mobility has risen sharply, driving a significant increase in car ownership. However, this rise in vehicles has also introduced the additional burden of parking. The widespread use of cars has worsened traffic congestion and exacerbated parking issues. In response, people have sought innovative solutions to tackle these challenges. One such solution, the Automatic Car Parking System (APS), has proven effective in managing parking. APS allows drivers to park their vehicles in various ways, including parallel, perpendicular, and angled parking, all while optimising space utilisation. In addition to improving efficiency, APS reduces labour costs and streamlines parking operations. Let’s explore how automated car parking systems are alleviating the parking-related burden.
What are the Types of Automated Parking Systems?
Automated Parking Systems (APS) have experienced growth in popularity throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. They are of various types, including the following:
A shuttle parking system uses shuttles and elevators for moving vehicles to the assigned parking spaces. It relies on a conveyor belt between the shuttle pick-up and assigned parking space to park and retrieve vehicles.
A Puzzle Parking System is a semi-automated parking system resembling a puzzle. It is basically a multi-level car parking system that utilises stacking and sliding technology for maximising the number of cars that can be parked in a given space.
It is an innovative parking system that effectively utilises parking space to park six cars in the area typically assigned for two. The system relies on a vertical stacking arrangement to save space and increase available parking spots. Cars enter the system through the parking bay on the ground floor. As the system rotates clockwise, a vacant parking spot becomes available on the ground floor once again.
A stacker parking system, also called a car stacker, uses a specialised device known as a stacker for parking and retrieving vehicles. This system significantly reduces the time needed for car parking and retrieval by enabling simultaneous vertical and horizontal movement.
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Automated Guided Vehicle Parking System
An Automated Guided Vehicle Parking system relies on AGVs or robots for the storage and retrieval of vehicles in an enclosed parking space. Apart from being able to rotate in position, these AGVs are capable of moving along and sideways on the parking platform. The AGVs lift and transfer vehicles from transfer cabins to their designated parking spots.
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Rail Guided Parking System
The Rail Guided Parking system works in a manner similar to the AGV parking system. However, it is based on a comparatively simpler mechanism. Rail-guided cars can move the parked cars by lifting them and carrying them to designated spots.
Crane Parking systems are automated parking systems that utilise a single mechanism for moving vehicles horizontally and vertically during parking and retrieval. They work based on multi level systems utilising a separate lift for transferring vehicles.
Silo parking systems are cylindrical in shape, with multiple levels of parking spaces arranged around a central axis. These parking systems have a central mechanism that moves vertically or rotates to move the cars between various parking levels.
A tower parking system is a fully automated parking solution that stores vehicles on multiple levels and uses a lift to move the cars between various levels. There is a parking space on either side of the elevator shaft on each level.
What Are the Benefits of Automatic Car Parking System?
Automatic Car Parking systems offer some major advantages, especially in congested cities where the demand for parking space is higher. Let us take a look at their advantages and how they help resolve the challenge of limited parking space:
- APS are space-saving, meaning they can store many more cars in the same area. For example, while traditional car parking may fit only two cars, an APS can accommodate six cars in that same space.
- A feature that enhances the functionality of many APSs is the automatic car park barrier system. This system not only facilitates smooth vehicle entry and exit but also ensures security by controlling access to the parking facility. The automatic barriers help to prevent unauthorised vehicles from entering, ensuring that only authorised users can access the parking area.
- Automatic Car Parking systems also save a lot of time. You can simply leave your car on the ground level of the platform, and it will be automatically carried to its designated spot.
- Automated car parking systems are more secure than traditional parking systems. Designed for safety, they keep cars out of view, deterring malicious activity.
- In traditional parking systems, you may find yourself circling to find a parking spot. However, with Automated Parking Systems, you don’t have to waste fuel searching for your designated spot.
- Automated Parking Systems are also highly beneficial for disabled individuals. People with disabilities do not need to navigate complex stairwells and can just leave their cars for safe parking at the ground level.
Conclusion
Automated Car Parking systems save both space and time. They are also considerably secure compared to the traditional parking systems in place.
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