Leetonia, Ohio (November 25, 1997): Robotic Parking Systems today announced the opening of its full-scale automated parking demonstration facility in Northeastern Ohio. The new facility features the company’s Modular Automated Parking System, which automatically parks and retrieves cars in multi-level parking structures.

"Now, for the first time, people can actually see the latest automated parking technology in operation here in the U.S.," says Gerhard Haag, president, Robotic Parking Systems. "Our new demonstration facility allows commercial developers to view and test a full-scale automated parking system without having to travel to Europe or Asia."

Automated parking is a method of parking and retrieving cars using lifts, pallets and sensing devices. It requires no attendants, is more cost-effective than conventional garages, and allows more cars to be parked in less space.

"Automated parking can provide a considerable number of spaces in a greatly reduced site area for the comparable cost of a traditional garage, and can even be less expensive in terms of the land area needed." says Dick Beebe, Director of Parking and Transportation Planning for Consulting Engineers Group, Inc. Due to increased parking demands and the need to put more vehicles into smaller spaces, "we’re going to see a major movement to automated parking in this country within the next two to three years," says Beebe.

Robotic Parking’s Modular Automated Parking System (MAPS) works by driving a car onto a pallet in a bay that is similar in appearance and size to a single car residential garage. After the driver leaves the vehicle, the car is automatically moved by pallet through the garage to an open parking space.

Using a designated ticketing machine, the driver can signal the system at any time to return the vehicle back to the bay. Cars are returned in a forward drive position for easy exit from the facility.

The system uses a recently patented technology that allows multiple cars to be simultaneously parked and retrieved on contiguous garage floors. This new development greatly increases the speed of cars moving through the structure.

"With our new technology, cars in most cases can be returned to a driver in less than one minute," says Haag. "Reducing the time it takes to retrieve a vehicle means less waiting for the driver and added convenience."

MAPS can double the number of parking spaces found in conventional garages. It also prevents cars from being damaged from fender benders and dings. And, because drivers remain outside the parking structure at all times, the risk of personal injuries is eliminated.

The new demonstration facility, which is located in Leetonia, Ohio, gives developers and parking industry executives a chance to "test drive" the entire system, from lift and pallet operation, to system diagnostics. "Not only do we have the only automated parking demonstration facility here in the U.S., it showcases the advancements we’ve made in the field of automated parking," says Haag.

MAPS can be built up to twenty stories high, above ground, underground, or both, and within any facade or architectural design. It can also be modified and added to after installation, or even relocated.

Robotic Parking was established in 1994 to provide a cost-effective solution for overcrowded areas with the need for convenient, safe parking.

For more information, or to visit the company’s new automated parking demonstration facility, contact Robotic Parking at
1-888-ROBOPARK (1-888-762-6727)
E-mail: RoboPark@juno.com;
Address: 280 Walnut St., Leetonia, OH 44431;