How Long Does It Take to Retrieve a Vehicle?

One of the most-asked questions about automated parking revolves around how long it takes to get a vehicle back once it is parked in the system.

For a system utilizing t-cars and satellites, sometimes referred to as a rack and rail system, the speed or throughput of the systems depends on a number of factors, including:

• The number of transfer areas;
• The number of lifts;
• The number of transfer cars (t-cars);
• The lift type used in the system (EOA or SOA);
• The speed of individual components;
• The efficiency of the control system;
• The speed of the transfer area doors; and
• Whether the lifts are within transfer areas or separated.

Depending on the layout of a structure, storage of a vehicle can take as little as 1 minute. Regarding retrieving a vehicle, machine time takes anywhere from 90 seconds and upward. The position of the car within the garage and the expected wait time for retrieval are noted on the kiosk screen or within the APS app, so users will not be left wondering where their vehicle is located. A typical retrieval time is 2–3 minutes depending on factors such as the number of users calling their vehicles, system components and layout, etc.

A smart phone app can be used for vehicle retrieval.

What Type of Developments can Utilize APS?

Historically, automated parking systems (APS) have been associated primarily with high-end luxury residences, where the convenience and efficiency of such technology catered to affluent homeowners seeking premium amenities. However, the landscape of urban development is evolving, and the applications for automated parking systems are expanding significantly. Today, these systems are being integrated into a wide variety of projects, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness in various settings.

One of the most promising areas for APS is multi-family developments. In densely populated urban areas, space is at a premium, and traditional parking solutions can be both inefficient and inadequate. Automated parking systems optimize space utilization, allowing developers to maximize the number of residential units while providing residents with convenient and secure parking options. The compact nature of APS enables developers to fit more units into a smaller footprint, addressing both zoning requirements and market demand.

Office projects also benefit greatly from automated parking. As more companies seek to establish their presence in urban centers, efficient parking solutions become essential. An APS can streamline the parking process for employees and visitors, reducing the time spent searching for spaces. This is particularly advantageous in high-traffic areas where parking congestion is common. By incorporating an automated system, office buildings can enhance the overall experience for tenants and guests, making it a competitive advantage in the real estate market.

In the realm of medical office buildings, the need for efficient parking is even more pronounced. Patients often face time constraints and may feel stressed about finding parking. An automated parking system alleviates this burden by providing quick and easy access to vehicles. Additionally, these systems can be designed to handle peak usage during busy hours, ensuring that patients experience minimal delays and have a smoother visit to healthcare facilities.

Public garages represent another significant application for automated parking systems. As urban areas become increasingly congested, cities are looking for innovative solutions to manage parking more effectively. APS can increase capacity in public garages while reducing the physical footprint required for traditional parking structures. This not only addresses the immediate needs of urban populations but also contributes to long-term sustainability goals by reducing the land area dedicated to parking.

Student housing projects are increasingly adopting automated parking solutions as well. With a growing number of students in urban environments, the demand for accessible parking is rising. An APS can provide efficient, space-saving parking solutions that cater to students’ needs, making these developments more attractive. By maximizing available space, developers can accommodate more students while ensuring that parking remains convenient and accessible.

Beyond these specific applications, automated parking systems can be employed in virtually any commercial development. Retail centers, hotels, and mixed-use developments all stand to gain from the efficiency and space-saving benefits of APS. As consumer expectations evolve, the demand for seamless parking experiences will continue to rise, positioning automated systems as a vital component of modern development strategies.

To fully realize the potential of an automated parking system, it is essential to collaborate with a knowledgeable manufacturer. Each development has unique requirements, and a tailored approach is necessary to ensure that the system meets specific operational needs. For projects with higher peak-time usage, implementing strategic design tactics is crucial to achieve the desired throughput and system speed. This attention to detail not only enhances user experience but also optimizes the operational efficiency of the facility.

In conclusion, automated parking systems are no longer limited to luxury residences. Their applicability spans multi-family developments, office buildings, medical facilities, public garages, student housing, and various commercial projects. By embracing this technology, developers can enhance space utilization, improve user experiences, and meet the evolving demands of urban living.

Why Should a Developer Consider an APS?

An APS not only provides a safer environment for users or drivers, but it also allows developers to save money through reduced operating, construction, and land costs, as well as provide added value through the increased space savings.

In search of space and land-saving parking solutions, developers are increasingly turning to APSs because these systems are often proven to reduce land, construction, and operational costs. In addition to public parking garages, APSs can be found in any type of real estate development, such as malls, offices, hotels, airports and residential developments, including mixed-use properties combining commercial and residential use. Although cost is often the most important factor for investors, city planners and municipalities are tasked with improving the ever-growing parking problem in a sustainable way for their residents. For example, Copenhagen in Denmark is aiming to becoming the first city in the world to be CO₂-neutral by 2030 and has been using automated parking for more than a decade to vastly reduce emissions and energy consumption. In fact, when looking for a space-efficient, cost-saving, and low-emission parking solution, an APS is the way to go.

Safety and Security

Concerns about personal safety, theft, vehicle vandalism, and vehicle damage are common with users of conventional parking garages. Navigating through a busy parking garage orparking lot is fraught with danger to both the vehicle and the driver walking to and from the vehicle. At night, these dangers increase. Automated parking eliminates these hazards. Without the need to navigate through a garage to find a parking spot, the risk of an accident is eliminated. The inside of an automatedparking facility is inaccessible to the public, so the vehicle itself is safe and secure from outside dangers while it is being stored. By eliminating the dangers associated withconventional parking garages, the parking experience becomes essentially worry free.

The Cost of APSs versus Conventional Parking

Comparing the cost of an APS with a conventional parking lot or parking garage is not an apples-to-apples comparison. It is a mistake to calculate the cost of automated parking merely on cost per parking space, as there are numerous savings to be had with an APS. With less land area needed to build the garage, a developer may save half of the excavation costs. This space saved will allow a developer to increase the earning potential by using the area for more hotel rooms or condos, for example. More money will be saved on lighting and ventilation because of the reduced regulations and requirements for those inside the system. When evaluating the investment in automated parking, first assess the value of the added real estate and other savings to the business. Often, installing this type of system is actually a net gain for a company.

Environmental Benefits of APSs

Automated parking is often a more sustainable option than conventional parking. Everyone knows the struggle of trying to find a parking spot in a typical parking garage and, in this scenario, the car engine is continuously running until a spot is found, putting off toxic fumes. These fumes are not good for the environment, nor are they good for humans to breathe in while parking cars, walking through the parking area, and retrieving cars. Automated parking cuts down on wasted driving time and, as a result, wasted emissions.

One unique feature of an APS is the lights-out environment. There is no lighting required within the system since it is completely operated by machines. The only places that light is needed are the transfer areas and the waiting areas or lobby where the users wait for their vehicle and access the transfer areas.

In a standard parking garage, there are specific ventilation requirements due to the amount of human traffic passing through the system. Automated parking garages have much lower ventilation requirements, typically needing only two air changes per hour. Therefore, companies spend less electricity to operate an automated garage.

In some cases, automated parking garages are built completely underground. What is left is more land for “green” spaces such as parks and playgrounds right on top of the APS. This is especially important in densely populated areas to help preserve the environment.