Gatwick Airport is on the brink of a major innovation next month when it becomes the first UK airport to launch a fully automated robot parking service. The cutting-edge solution, developed with specialist firm Stanley Robotics, promises to transform the pre-flight experience for passengers departing from its South Terminal.
Drivers will simply pull into a designated drop-off zone, where robotic units will lift their vehicle by its tyres and transport it to a secure parking bay. From there, passengers can either walk directly to the terminal building or hop on a complimentary shuttle bus service from the robotic parking area – all while keeping their car keys safely with them.
Security is top-notch at this new facility: round-the-clock patrols will be in place, along with an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system for controlled entry and exit. The good news is that up to 95 per cent of car models will be compatible – although drivers with unusual vehicles are advised to check beforehand.
When it's time to head home, passengers will find their car waiting for them in a designated collection area, saving the hassle of searching for their vehicle. Oli Bedford, Head of Airport Access, Marketing and Commercial Products at Gatwick, hailed the new service as a "game-changer" for passengers – with its speed, ease of use, and key-keeping convenience all on offer.
This pioneering deployment marks Stanley Robotics' UK debut, following successful implementations at Lyon Airport in France. The company's CEO, Clément Boussard, is thrilled about the partnership, which he believes will help address Gatwick's parking capacity challenges as the airport prepares for significant growth.