South Korea Deploys Automated Parking Robots in Apartment Complex Pilot

Hyundai Wia's innovative automated parking robots are making their debut in a residential setting, with a pilot project launched at the Hillstate The Wave City apartment complex in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. This initiative, a collaboration with Hyundai Motor and Hyundai Engineering & Construction, aims to revolutionize parking efficiency in urban environments.

The robots, previously known for their balletic movements in a viral video, consist of two flat platforms that lift and move vehicles. Designed with a slim profile of 110mm, they can accommodate low-clearance vehicles and lift up to 3.4 tons. Moving at 1.2 meters per second, the robots minimize the need for maneuvering space, allowing residents to be dropped off outside the parking spot, thus maximizing the use of available area. The company estimates this can increase parking capacity by 20% to 50% compared to conventional parking.

Initially, two sets of robots will manage 53 parking spaces. Residents can summon the robots via control panels in their homes, and the system is designed to pre-position vehicles in designated exit areas to minimize waiting times. Hyundai Wia also developed an integrated parking management system capable of controlling up to 50 robots simultaneously, with plans to expand this to 100 robots, potentially managing up to 4,000 parking spaces.

Following successful testing in office buildings, Hyundai Wia plans to deploy these robots in underground parking lots of apartment reconstruction projects, notably in the Apgujeong areas. For the Apgujeong 3 district, the robots will feature an added fire detection function, enabling them to quickly move vehicles from hazardous zones in case of a fire. This expansion signals a growing commitment to smart city solutions and enhanced urban living.