London Gatwick has launched a robotic airport parking service
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London Gatwick launches robotic valet parking using autonomous robots to store cars.
Gatwick Airport has launched a robotic parking service using Stanley Robotics' autonomous robots. Drivers leave their car in a drop-off bay; a robot slides underneath, lifts the vehicle by its tires, and transports it to a secure storage area. The system allows cars to be parked closer together, maximizing space. Booking is required in advance; same-day drive-up parking is not available. Pricing is around £80 per week, comparable to short-stay parking at other airports.
What commenters are saying
Commenters are split. Many find the pricing surprisingly reasonable for airport parking. Skeptics question throughput during peak times and worry about break-downs, though multiple robots and a flat lot mitigate this. Some note the service still requires a shuttle bus to the terminal, missing the convenience of curb-side drop-off. Others recall past automated parking systems that trapped cars for months, but note this design is less vulnerable. A few point out the tech isn't new-similar systems exist in harbors and some cities.