London Gatwick Introduces UK's First Robotic Airport Parking Service

London Gatwick Airport has become the first airport in the United Kingdom to offer a fully automated robotic parking system. Developed with robotics specialist Stanley Robotics, the service allows passengers to drive to a dedicated drop‑off area, where a robot lifts the vehicle by its tyres and parks it in a secure space. Drivers keep their keys throughout the journey and can return to a collection point via a free shuttle bus or on foot.

The system, expected to launch in August, is compatible with about 95 % of car models, though unusually sized vehicles may be excluded. The parking area features 24‑hour security patrols and an automatic number‑plate‑recognition (ANPR) entry‑exit system. Gatwick’s head of airport access, marketing and commercial products, Oli Bedford, described the offering as a “game‑changer” for passengers, while Stanley Robotics CEO Clément Boussard said it marks a major milestone for the company in the UK.