Think about the last time you were in a congested parking lot or garage. About the frustration of circling around and around, waiting for other cars to pull out, only to find out that the person coming from the other direction got in first. It wasn’t their turn, they just got here. This frustration is not the kind of way you want to feel when you’re trying to go shopping, to the airport, or to a nice dinner.

AI MAKES PARKING EASIER FOR CONSUMERS

This like so many other negative experiences with parking could have been avoided with AI. Let’s go back to the same scenario, but in this case, they have LPR (license plate recognition) cameras and smart signage. You drive through the gate and the sign overhead lights up, it tells you to turn right, and you do. The next sign says straight. Then the next one says ‘stall 3’. Look at that! Stall 3 is open! You park and are free to go about your day.

WHAT FACTORS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGE

In the last scenario, there weren’t cars competing for the same space because the garage knows there are spaces available when the car enters. No one is forced to circle around because you’re led directly to available spaces. Also, there is zero possibility of searching the parking lot and not finding a space. Everyone is able to park faster and no one is left searching. Whatever reason you’re parking for is a less stressful, more pleasant experience in the second scenario than the first. 

TAKING IT ONE STEP FURTHER WITH PREDICTIVE INTELLIGENCE

If we add one more layer of intelligence to this the AI can use predictive algorithms to tell you how long it will be before spaces are available. If a ‘full’ garage will become ‘available’ in just 3 minutes, maybe you make a decision to go to the gas station while you wait instead of searching for somewhere to park on the street for the next 30 minutes. 

Living in a congested city, not being able to easily park at a venue could be the difference in you deciding to go to one restaurant over another, choosing one apartment over another, or ordering online instead of going into a store. Brick-and-mortar businesses in large cities could benefit from being the place that is easier to park because it’s a massive value-add for customers.