The authors of this innovative system are experts from the ENET Centre at the VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (VŠB), in collaboration with the company KOMA – Industry s.r.o. Their research project has been supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) with a contribution of over ten million CZK from public funds under the EPSILON Programme.
"The APS can be simply described as a type of parking house that can significantly ease the nightmare that parking in cities often represents for many of us. The entire process is automated – drivers don’t even have to enter the building, as the system handles everything for them. This makes it a much safer solution compared to traditional underground garages," explained TA CR Chairman Petr Konvalinka.
The APS maximizes the use of the building footprint, requiring considerably less space than conventional parking lots. It also offers flexible configurations, including above-ground, underground, or hybrid setups. For drivers, one of the most significant benefits is the time saved when searching for a parking spot, which naturally also reduces fuel consumption and air pollution.
How does this project differ from typical parking structures? The entire building will be designed to reduce dust particles and partially manage rainwater. The interior will be equipped with Automated Handling Vehicles (AHVs) and elevators to park platforms carrying cars. These AHVs will be fitted with hybrid power systems, including EV charging capabilities. Additionally, the APS system offers faster operation, which shortens wait times.
"The project’s uniqueness lies in its dual function: partially solving the shortage of parking spaces while also providing electric power supply in highly urbanized areas such as city centers," noted Stanislav Mišák from VŠB. The project also takes environmental aspects into account by efficiently using rainwater to irrigate green roofs and façades, thereby improving the microclimate around the facility. "The entire APS is controlled by artificial intelligence, allowing it to concentrate more vehicles in a smaller area than traditional parking methods. All these advantages make the APS highly competitive in its field," Mišák emphasized.
By 2021, the project team aims to complete all development phases, including the construction of a full-size prototype. This prototype will undergo thorough testing to ensure the highest level of safety and functionality. The final result will be a universal, scalable, and easily adaptable solution tailored to the needs of specific locations.