Hyundai tests autonomous robots to increase garage capacity by 50%

Hyundai is launching a pilot project to test autonomous parking robots designed to increase garage capacity by up to 50%. The initiative is a collaborative effort between Hyundai Motor, Hyundai WIA, and Hyundai E&C.

The technology utilizes slim robotic platforms, only 110 mm thick, that slide underneath a vehicle. Using LiDAR sensors for navigation and obstacle detection, the robots can lift the wheels and transport vehicles weighing up to 3,400 kg at speeds of 4.3 km/h. This weight capacity allows the system to handle standard cars, large SUVs, and heavy electric vehicles.

The pilot program will take place in a residential complex in Siheung, South Korea. Drivers drop their vehicles in a designated transition zone, and the system automatically moves them to an available spot. Because the robots position cars extremely close together without needing space for door openings, parking density is significantly improved. To retrieve a vehicle, users can request it via a digital terminal or kiosk.