Airport parking could soon look very different, as London Gatwick prepares to introduce the UK’s first robotic airport parking service.
The new system, developed in partnership with Stanley Robotics, is designed to make airport parking faster, easier and more efficient. Instead of driving around looking for a parking space, passengers will be able to leave their vehicles in a dedicated drop-off garage and let autonomous robots take care of the rest.
The process is relatively simple. Travellers drive into a designated private garage at Gatwick’s South Terminal, park their vehicle and complete the check-in process using a screen outside the garage. Once the vehicle is secured, a robot lifts it from underneath the wheels and transports it to a secure parking area.
Passengers can then make their way to the terminal either by walking or by using a free shuttle service. Importantly, drivers keep their car keys with them throughout their trip.
When passengers return from their journey, the system brings their vehicle back to a designated collection area, ready for them to drive away.
According to Gatwick, the robotic parking system is compatible with around 95 per cent of car models. However, drivers with vehicles featuring unusual dimensions or specific features are advised to check compatibility before booking.
Security is another key part of the service. The robotic parking facility features 24-hour security patrols, perimeter fencing, floodlighting and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)-controlled entry and exit. The parking area also has Park Mark Safer Parking approval.
The introduction of robotic parking is also about more than convenience. Airports face increasing pressure to make better use of limited space while handling growing passenger numbers. Automated parking systems can potentially organise vehicles more efficiently and reduce the amount of space required for traditional parking layouts.
For travellers, the biggest advantage may be the time saved. Instead of navigating a large car park, searching for an available bay and then finding a route back to the terminal, passengers can simply drop off their vehicle and continue their journey.
The service is expected to initially operate with certain booking and usage restrictions as the system is introduced and scaled. Gatwick says these arrangements are expected to become more flexible as the service develops.
The technology is not entirely new. Stanley Robotics has previously deployed similar robotic parking technology at Lyon Airport in France. Gatwick’s rollout, however, represents a significant step in bringing this type of automated parking service to a major UK airport.
Gatwick’s move highlights a broader trend in the aviation industry: airports are increasingly turning to automation and robotics to improve passenger experiences and manage operational challenges.
From automated check-in and baggage handling to autonomous vehicles and robotic parking, the airport of the future is becoming increasingly automated.
For now, Gatwick passengers may soon have one less thing to worry about before catching a flight: finding a parking space.
The bigger question is whether robotic parking will become a standard feature at airports across the UK—or remain a novelty reserved for travellers willing to try something new.
