Robotic Parking Systems' patented Modular
Automated Parking System (MAPS) integrates
computerization with mechanical lifts, pallets
and carriers to park and retrieve cars in
multi-level, modular garages (i.e., units
that are standard in size and design, and
can be arranged or fitted together in a variety
of ways). Fully customized systems meet specific
client requirements and ensure optimum car
throughput. This includes (but isn't limited
to) the number of entrance and exit bays,
lifting devices, and garage size.
MAPS offers many advantages and solves a
number of problems typically associated with
conventional parking facilities. With urban
real estate being scarce and costs rapidly
escalating, a major benefit is that complete
parking facilities can be constructed on lots
as small as 60-feet by 60-feet, up to 20-stories,
within any facade or architectural design,
above ground or underground (underground MAPS
can cost as much as 30% less than standard
parking garages). Facilities are built in
sections or stages and shipped to construction
sites. After initial installation, systems
can be modified, expanded, or relocated, which
means future needs aren't hindered by current
budget restrictions.
From a patron perspective, MAPS facilities
are easy and efficient to use, and safer than
conventional garages: the entire parking and
retrieval process is completed within minutes
while patrons remain outside the main facility
in well-lighted, secure areas. Furthermore,
MAPS provides peace-of-mind because other
drivers and the general public don't have
access to parking areas, which eliminates
the chance of vandalism and theft. And because
pallets are used to park and retrieve vehicles,
there's no chance for machinery-caused damage.
Pallets also prevent oil, salt, and other
debris from landing on vehicles while they're
parked and during transport. Other advantages
include:
-
Doubles the number of parking spaces
(or requires only half as much land) to
accommodate the same number of cars as
conventional garages.
-
Lower personnel costs - parking attendant
staffs aren't necessary.
-
Lower insurance costs. (By eliminating
the chance for vehicle damage and personal
injury, garage owners pay less garage
owner's liability insurance.)
-
Reduced facility maintenance costs (significantly
lowered lighting and ventilation requirements,
and no costly concrete deck repairs).
How MAPS Works
After pulling onto a pallet in the entrance/exit
station, which resembles a single-car garage,
turning off the engine, and exiting the vehicle,
the car is then transported, automatically,
through the garage to an open parking space.
To retrieve the vehicle, the driver inserts
his parking check into the computerized reader,
signaling the system to return his vehicle
to the bay. Cars arrive in an average of two
minutes, facing forward, which allows for
an easy exit from the facility.
The parking fee is paid with cash, debit
card or credit card. The above sequence is
made possible by "flexible transfer"
technology, the same transport technology
used on automobile manufacturing assembly
lines. Robotic Parking has developed a new
fuzzy logic-based technology specifically
for MAPS and integrated it with the flexible
transfer application to optimize carrier and
lift movement. This allows several cars, on
pallets, to move independently and simultaneously
through the parking facility, making car storage
and retrieval extremely fast. MAPS are monitored
by computer and use a customized version of
Microsoft Window NT. HMI (Human Machine Interface)
shows real time car movements and facilitates
maintenance and diagnostics. The computer,
installed at the garage, is accessible from
any remote location. Additionally, all systems
are equipped with back-up systems and redundancies
based on the safety philosophy of "one
out of two failure." This means that,
minimally, at least two of every major component
is installed on site. And at all times, every
parking space can be reached simultaneously
by at least two independent units, which facilitates
maximum up time.
top
of page
