Business | Technology
Robotic solution to parking woes
A robotic car park linked to the office tower at Ibn Battuta Gate can hold up to 765 cars and is the first of several planned for the UAE intended address parking woes.
- By Suzanne Fenton, Staff Reporter
- Published: 22:30 August 12, 2009
- The robotic car park, one of the three largest in the world, can park 250 cars every hour.
- Image Credit: Hadrian Hernandez/Gulf News
Dubai: A robotic car park linked to the office tower at Ibn Battuta Gate can hold up to 765 cars and is the first of several planned for the UAE intended address parking woes.
Because the park is robotic, it means that it can fit twice as many cars in the space than if it was a regular car park due to saved space.
Watch video: Dubai's robotic car park
And in terms of time, the system can retrieve your car and deliver it you within three minutes - a claim tried and tested by local media.
The robotic car park, one of the three largest in the world, can park 250 cars every hour.
It is possible for 32 cars to be in motion within the seven-storey system at any one time.
The car is revolved 180 degrees once it is inside the car park which will save time once the car is retrieved as it will come out facing forward, said Sami Eisa, general manager of Robotic Systems, the technology licensor.
"In a world of increasing urbanisation and traffic congestion, the future is robotic parking. As more and more vehicles in the UAE and the Middle East share a limited volume of available space, the need for a solution has become acute," Eisa said.
And at no point in the process does the equipment or another person touch the cars, making it less likely to be scratched.
The office tower itself is the first phase of Ibn Battuta Gate. The second phase is a hotel which will be in operation at the beginning of 2010 and 150 serviced apartments which will be finished in the next four months, said Ahmet Oktay Cini, chief executive of Asteco Development Management.
The system will be free for tenants of the office tower but there will be a charge for visitors which has not yet been finalised.
Andrew Chambers, managing director of Asteco, which is leasing Ibn Battuta Gate, said that not only is the office tower close to the mall and metro, but the cars will be protected from the actions of the weather and micreants.
Do you think this will solve Dubai's chronic parking problem? Should such parking facilities be built in every Dubai Metro station?
Your comments
very interesting! parking woes must be one of the supreme issues to be addressed. I stay in Deira and if you reach there after 9.00pm you must be extremely lucky to get a parking lot. After a day of intense physical activity you have to struggle to get a parking lot.
Authorities are very vigilant to fine those who park illegally even at middle of the night. Where we will park car when we come home late? Multi -storied parking could be good solution. Thanks in advance for the proper understanding.
Dilraj
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 12:19
Well done Dubai you are the best, what is next?
A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 11:17
This new initiative is no doubt a good idea. However large Asian cities have been using this type of parking system for a while so the idea is not new. I believe these parking systems should have been built ages ago, or at least in conjunction with the Dubai metro stations to accommodate the metro commuters. Sheikh Zayed Road and the DIFC area is another nightmare for parking if you happen to work or live there. A few of these parking structures would have gone a long way to ease parking woes for the many people who work. People have lost faith, and have become bitter and disillusioned. But, I guess its better late then never.
Faisal Saud
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 10:42
yes, we have to take innovative steps to solve the parking problems, if we will rely on typical ways than this would be the chaotic problem. it should be built within all public offices, where there are more gathering of people. Metro do need it, if not now, may be in future, it will be indispensable for car park.
Shahzad Shaikh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 10:38
This is perfect solution for every resident or visitor. Such facilities like smart parking must be built all over Dubai. It takes space of 2 cars, but you can park up to 16 cars. This system already been used in Moscow.
Berik Askarbayev
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 10:19
Good move. Dubai is filled with a lot of cars and such a launch will definitely solve most of the parking menace which we usually face. This sounds interesting and looks great too.
Mathew Litty
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 09:51
Yes I do believe this will ease parking problems in Dubai. I also believe such parking should be built all over Dubai, no actually all over the UAE! Well, maybe in the more populated areas like Sharjah (major parking issues) and Abu Dhabi.
Mimi
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 09:41
Its indeed marvellous to hear about this new parking lot. Indeed it would be great if Dubai could have more such parking spaces in order to save time and space.
But one thing I would clearly suggest is that the energy input in such projects may be huge. I would suggest solar power which is available in plenty here if used properly so that there will be a saving of the energy source which can be used for other uses.
Cejoyce
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 09:30
It's very good Idea. if they will construct same in Deira , Bur Dubai , and same like rush areas , so I think parking problem will be solve. But it depends what will be the parking charges?
Khalid Ali Seddiqi
Dubai,Pakistan
Posted: August 13, 2009, 09:11
This is brilliant idea and will definitely start resolving the problem of parking in congested places
Sardar Shah
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 08:51
This is a great feature and will help immensely. Hope this facility comes soon to Abu Dhabi.
Sa'ad
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 08:50
Good news at last. I have seen the same in Tokyo many years ago. I hope every Metro station has the same in coming years. Congratulations to the vision of Dubai.
Prashant
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 08:48
It is good news. i feel robotic parking can be constructed at all congested areas like Deira
Mohammad Alam
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 08:30
Yes - the parking problem would be solved up to certain extent. If it is viable to install such a system wherever is required and possible, it is going to be a great relief for the driving people. Thanks to the organiser.
Gangadharan Nambiar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 08:18
I think, this is a great concept. They use these parking robotics all over Tokyo and it has helped their city a lot. I think they need these kind of parking system to be installed in Abu Dhabi city also, as the parking availability is very less. This is surely a good move, just hope the service is affordable enough.
Omar Azad
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: August 13, 2009, 07:21
This is amazing, technology is an answer to every problem and Dubai is an excellent example for others in the region for being the first one to adopt it.
Rana
Karachi,Pakistan
Posted: August 13, 2009, 01:16
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