What is smart parking?

An overview recently presented by leading institutions in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) of all relevant tech start-ups whose solutions use artificial intelligence (AI) includes numerous pioneers in the field as well as the German leading smart parking startup Cleverciti.

Earlier this year, appliedAI (Germany), Ignite Sweden, AI Sweden and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden decided to come together to initiate a mapping of the current AI startup ecosystem in Europe. On November 17, 2020, during the virtual Sweden Innovation Days event the first version of the landscape was presented which includes over 500 deep tech startups from France, Germany, and Sweden, among which Cleverciti as part of the subcategory of “Transport & Mobility”. Cleverciti applies AI extensively in its smart parking and smart mobility solutions.

Smart parking in an urban context

Readily available parking spaces tend to be a rare commodity in crowded cities. Smart parking systems can help maximize available parking by detecting all free spaces and guiding drivers to the most convenient one, allowing them to avoid unnecessary time loss. The intelligent data gathered by these systems can be used by civic authorities, city planners, and parking operators to develop concepts for the smart city of the future.

Benefits of smart parking solutions

Smart parking solutions not only significantly minimize search traffic, but also help ease congestion in cities and reduce vehicle emissions. Finding a free parking space easily in an often-confusing commercial car park enhances customer experience, thus improving revenue. Simultaneously, parking operators and civic authorities can gather intelligent data on parking and customer habits that can be used to drive future infrastructure developments.

Real-time parking information

Relevant insights can then be passed on to drivers via a mobile application, website or digital signage. LED displays such as Cleverciti’s Circ360™ and Circ180™ show live parking information and messaging.

In a larger context, smart parking solutions reduce traffic hazards and emissions, therefore contributing substantially to the quality of life in cities. These concepts are part of smart cities, where IT infrastructure is put into place and used to enhance the quality of life.

Smart guidance for drivers, businesses, parking operators, and civic authorities

Smart parking systems provide reliable guidance for drivers, thus simplifying their journey. In business settings such as shopping centers and corporate offices, smart parking management can not only help improve the customer experience, thus increasing revenue, but also positively impact productivity.

The intelligent data gathered by these systems enables parking operators to improve monitoring and to ensure appropriate use of dedicated zones such as handicap or delivery zones. Furthermore, the hourly or daily parking rates can be adjusted based on supply and demand.

Generating data easily

Data is generated via in-ground sensors that have to be installed in each parking space or via Overhead sensors as developed by Cleverciti. The latter can be easily mounted on existing infrastructure such as lampposts.

The data gathered by these sensors is transmitted via cellular (LTE), Wi-Fi or wired Internet connection, ensuring compliance with all the relevant data privacy regulations.

Real-life example: Cologne

In the German city of Cologne, smart parking has been put in place to reduce search traffic in one of the busiest districts. LED displays at road intersections inform drivers where they can find parking in any direction and how many spaces are currently available. The data is also fed into a mobile application, saving time and reducing emissions and noise pollution.

Conclusion

Smart parking technology not only enhances the driver experience but also contributes to more organized urban environments, offering insights for better planning and efficient resource allocation in cities.