North America’s Role in Driving Automated Parking System
Demand in 2024
The global automated parking system market is projected to reach US$ 6.8 billion in 2024, with a strong growth rate of 12.1% CAGR, reaching US$ 15.09 billion by 2031. These systems offer significant advantages by optimizing space, reducing land usage, and enhancing parking efficiency, addressing the growing parking shortage in urban areas. Automated parking helps maximize vertical space and ease traffic congestion, while providing autonomous vehicle storage solutions. With rising car ownership and urbanization, this market is poised for growth, driven by technological advancements and government initiatives promoting smart, eco-friendly parking solutions. North America and Europe are key regions leading in demand, with fully automated systems gaining popularity as the future of parking infrastructure.
As urbanization intensifies and the demand for innovative parking solutions escalates, North America is positioned to lead the way in the adoption of Automated Parking Systems (APS) in 2024. With its rapidly expanding cities, high vehicle ownership rates, and increasing focus on sustainability, the region is seeing significant growth in the demand for APS. This article explores North America’s role in driving the demand for automated parking systems, examining the factors contributing to this trend, the benefits of APS, and the expected future growth in the region.
Urbanization and Parking Challenges in North America
North America, particularly the United States and Canada, continues to experience rapid urbanization, with more people moving into urban centers in search of jobs, education, and amenities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, urban areas in the U.S. are expected to house 89% of the total population by 2050. This population shift puts increasing pressure on existing infrastructure, including parking spaces, which are often scarce and inefficient in densely populated cities.
In many North American cities, traditional parking methods are becoming insufficient to meet the growing demand. With limited space available for parking expansion, especially in urban cores, cities
are exploring alternative solutions that maximize land use and reduce congestion. Automated Parking Systems are being recognized as a promising technology to address these parking challenges by optimizing available space and enhancing parking efficiency.
The Benefits of Automated Parking Systems in North America
1. Space Optimization: North American cities face a significant shortage of space for parking, especially in congested urban areas. Automated Parking Systems help optimize space by using robotic technology to park vehicles more densely than traditional parking garages. This can result in up to 60% more parking spots in the same footprint, freeing up valuable urban land for other uses like housing, businesses, or green spaces.
2. Reduction in Traffic Congestion: Searching for parking spaces in crowded urban areas contributes to traffic congestion, with drivers circling blocks and adding to air pollution. APS eliminate the need for drivers to search for parking by allowing them to drop off their vehicle at an entrance, where the system then takes over. This improves overall traffic flow, reduces carbon emissions, and enhances urban mobility.
3. Environmental Sustainability: The growing emphasis on sustainability in North America is further driving the demand for APS. Automated parking systems can incorporate electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, reduce the carbon footprint of parking, and optimize energy consumption. Many cities in North America are actively promoting green building standards, and APS align with these objectives by reducing land use for parking and integrating ecofriendly technologies.
4. Convenience and Time Savings: The busy lifestyles of residents in North America make convenience a high priority. APS offer time-saving benefits by eliminating the need for drivers to waste time searching for parking spaces. With automated systems, drivers simply drop off their vehicles, reducing the stress associated with finding parking, particularly in high-density areas like downtowns, airports, and commercial districts.
5. Cost Efficiency: While the initial investment in APS can be higher than traditional parking infrastructure, the long-term cost savings are significant. APS systems require fewer staff for operation and maintenance, and their space-saving design allows for higher returns on investment. Additionally, the ability to charge for parking in a more efficient manner can help offset the installation costs, making APS an attractive option for commercial and residential developments.
Technological Advancements Driving APS Adoption in North America
In 2024, North America is witnessing significant advancements in APS technology, which are making these systems more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective. The integration of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) is enhancing the capabilities of APS, enabling them to operate seamlessly and safely.
Robotic Systems: The heart of APS technology is its robotic systems, which automate the process of parking a vehicle. These robots are able to transport cars to and from parking spaces with precision, reducing the chances of human error and maximizing space utilization. Advances in robotics are making APS more efficient and less prone to mechanical failure, thus boosting their reliability in commercial and residential applications.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning algorithms are enabling APS to improve over time by learning from user behavior and optimizing parking patterns. AI is also used to enhance system safety by continuously monitoring parking structures and identifying potential issues before they become problems. These advancements are helping APS systems become more intelligent and user-friendly.
IoT Integration: The integration of IoT sensors within APS allows for real-time monitoring and management of parking systems. IoT-enabled APS can provide users with live updates on parking availability and system status, ensuring a smoother experience for drivers and parking facility operators. This technology also enables predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and ensuring the system operates at peak efficiency.
North America’s Growing Investment in Smart Cities and Mobility Solutions
North America is increasingly focusing on the development of smart cities, which are designed to use advanced technologies to improve urban living. In these cities, the integration of APS is seen as a key element of modern urban mobility infrastructure. Governments and private companies are recognizing the need for intelligent, automated solutions to address the growing demand for parking spaces while minimizing environmental impact.
In the U.S., major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are experimenting with and adopting APS technology in response to their chronic parking issues. The U.S. federal government and local municipalities are also exploring opportunities to fund and support the development of smart city solutions, including automated parking, as part of broader initiatives to reduce traffic congestion, cut emissions, and improve quality of life.
Canada is similarly embracing automation and sustainability, with cities like Toronto and Vancouver investing in cutting-edge infrastructure projects that include APS. These initiatives are part of Canada's broader push toward creating greener, more efficient cities that can accommodate the needs of growing populations while maintaining high environmental standards.
The Role of Electric Vehicles in Boosting APS Adoption
The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in North America is another key factor contributing to the growing demand for Automated Parking Systems. As more people switch to EVs, the need for convenient charging infrastructure and specialized parking spaces has surged. APS can be integrated with EV charging stations, providing a convenient and seamless parking experience for electric vehicle owners. In the future, APS could offer smart features such as automated EV charging, allowing drivers to park and automatically charge their vehicles while they go about their day.
The rise in EV ownership aligns with North America's sustainability goals and the desire to reduce carbon emissions. APS systems are well-positioned to accommodate these goals by providing efficient and eco-friendly parking solutions for electric vehicles, further driving the demand for these systems.
The Future of APS in North America
The demand for Automated Parking Systems in North America is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by urbanization, technological advancements, and a shift toward smarter, more sustainable infrastructure. As more cities recognize the potential of APS to alleviate parking challenges and promote environmental sustainability, the technology will continue to be adopted across the region.
In 2024, North America will remain at the forefront of the APS industry, with increasing investments in research and development, pilot programs, and the integration of APS into larger smart city initiatives. As these systems evolve and become more accessible, automated parking may become a standard feature in urban development projects, contributing to more efficient, greener, and technologically advanced cities.
Conclusion: North America as a Leader in APS Adoption
North America’s role in driving the demand for Automated Parking Systems is critical to the future of urban mobility. As cities face mounting challenges related to parking, the adoption of APS presents a viable and effective solution. With advancements in technology, growing investments in smart city infrastructure, and increasing environmental awareness, North America is poised to be a leader in the global transition to automated parking. In 2024, APS are set to become an integral part of the region's efforts to optimize urban space, reduce congestion, and promote sustainability, paving the way for smarter, more efficient cities.