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2026-07-29 04:56 UTC → 2026-08-01 13:25 UTC ·
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Gatwick’s London Gatwick Airport has begun operating the United Kingdom’s first fully automated robotic parking system, originally announced in July 2026 and due slated to start in August, is the first fully automated service of its kind in the United Kingdom. August. Developed with French robotics specialist Stanley Robotics and built by German manufacturer Serva Transport Systems, the system service lets drivers drop their cars in a dedicated cabin, keep their keys, and have autonomous robots lift, store and retrieve the vehicles in tightly packed blocks. The service robot, branded “Stan”, can lift cars up to three tonnes and works around the clock, though passenger access is limited to weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm with a minimum five‑day stay. Drivers scan a booking ticket at the private drop‑off garage; the robot lifts the vehicle by its tyres and parks it in a secure, non‑public area. Retrieval follows the same automated process, and a free shuttle links the robotic bay to the South Terminal, with a walking option available. The system is compatible with about 95 % of car models; unusually sized vehicles may be excluded. The parking bay is monitored by 24‑hour security patrols and uses an automatic number‑plate‑recognition entry‑exit system. A free shuttle links the robotic bay to the South Terminal, and drivers may also walk to the collection point. Gatwick expects the robot‑managed bays to boost parking capacity by up to 40 % in existing facilities and 60 % in new builds. Initial operation will run weekdays 9 am‑5 pm for stays of five days or longer. Airport officials, including Gatwick’s head of access, access Oli Bedford, described describe the offering as a “game‑changer,” “game‑changer” and a “real revolution” for passengers, while Stanley Robotics CEO Clément Boussard highlighted highlights its significance for the UK market. Alongside the rollout, Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester airports launched a wheelchair‑accessible vehicle‑hire service to improve mobility for travelers.