Article from BTNews 1 APRIL 2019
Now Gatwick launches robot parking trial
Hard on the heels of Lyon Airport introducing valet car parking by robot (BTN 25 March), Gatwick last week signed a framework contract with Stanley Robotics to become the first UK airport to trial the system.
The trial will run from the second half of this year to early next year. Passengers will be able simply to leave their cars near South Terminal without handing over keys and robots will gently lift the vehicles and store them in a secure car park.
The system will also be connected to real-time flight information so the machines simply return the vehicles to the parking station when owners are expected back. Each driver receives an SMS that the vehicle is ready and waiting.
Gatwick chief commercial officer Guy Stephenson said: “Valet parking robots could revolutionise parking at Gatwick and become commonplace at airports and other businesses across the world.
“The new service will be a convenient, personalised experience that saves passengers’ time, reduces vehicle emissions and has the potential to increase car park capacity significantly.
Stanley Robotics COO Stéphane Evanno added: “We are working with Gatwick to offer passengers a world-class experience as we aim to reinvent the parking experience completely and create a seamless customer journey.”
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