Robot valet parking launches at Gatwick Airport for safer long-stay storage
Gatwick Airport has introduced a robotic car parking system aimed at making long-stay parking safer and easier, developed by French company Stanley Robotics.
Gatwick Airport in the UK has rolled out a new robotic valet parking system built by French company Stanley Robotics. The robots can position vehicles with centimetre-level precision, and the airport says the system can accommodate around 95% of cars.
Some vehicles are excluded, however. Cars must weigh no more than 2.6 tonnes, stand under 2.3 metres tall, have a wheelbase shorter than 3.3 metres, and wheels no larger than 21 inches.
Security measures
The storage area is protected by perimeter fencing, floodlighting and round-the-clock security patrols, with automatic number plate recognition tracking all vehicles entering and leaving the site. Stanley Robotics says the robots are built to stop rather than move unpredictably if a malfunction occurs.
Passenger feedback has been mixed in its reasoning: some praise how quick and simple booking is, while others chose the service specifically for the extra security it offers. The service costs roughly €6 to €12 more than standard long-stay parking.
Restrictions set to ease
At launch, the service required a minimum stay of five days and was mostly available on weekdays between 9am and 5pm. Gatwick says these limits will be gradually relaxed over time.
