Gatwick Trials Robot Parking

Photo Credit: Londonist

Gatwick Airport has revealed trials of new parking robots to increase the number of cars it can park at the airport by up to one third.

The three-month trial is due to run at Gatwick South Terminal’s long-stay car park in August.

The robot, nicknamed 'Stan' after its maker, Stanley Robotics, is 100% electric and lifts cars by sliding arms underneath their tyres. It then carries the vehicle to a secure car park where it can position cars more tightly because there’s no need for humans to open doors to get in and out.

After leaving their car at the drop off point, travellers check in on a computer and keep their keys with them during their trip. For their return, Stan brings their vehicle to a collection point, ready for them to drive away.

To prepare for the trial, Gatwick is creating a robot-friendly road surface and removing obstacles such as lamp posts. Similar trials are also taking place at airports in France and Germany.

An IAPA spokersperson says: “Gatwick’s parking robot is an interesting concept in potential parking efficiency and we look forward to seeing the results of the small scale trial taking place at Gatwick.”