Parking Equipment Types

With many manufacturers now in this industry along with their diverse system designs, the actual mechanisms and movement systems that carry a vehicle to its parking spot can widely vary with each. Here we’ll group together the systems of similar type to create distinct categories, then discuss each technology along with its specific application pros and cons.

Mechanical Parking Systems

In the US we have a long history of mechanical parking facilities. Starting in the 1920’s and again in the fifties, mechanical parking systems were built in this country. In Hawaii we built systems on Honolulu in the seventies and eighties.

A typical modern mechanical parking system ranges from a simple two level cantilever variety, to multiple level systems complete with shuttles, lifts and rotator tables.

Listed below are various types of mechanical parking systems along with their associated characteristics. Only systems with characteristics of worthwhile consideration for use in the US have been evaluated and listed.

System Type	Description	Cost	Density	Throughput	Reliability
2 Post	Also known as a Cantilever or Stacker system. Read more	¢
4 Post	This is a stacker system where the platforms can go as high as 5 levels. Read more	¢¢
No Post	Platforms are supported by cables instead of intrusive posts that typically restrict vehicle entry/exit. Read more	¢¢¢
Pit	One vehicle parked underneath the ground where another is parked. Read more	¢¢¢¢
Rotary	Looks like an oval shaped Ferris wheel, vehicles circulate around in a vertical circle. Read more	¢¢¢

Automated Parking Systems

Many automated systems have been built across the country typically in dense locations where the project and the site requires an automated facility in order for the project to succeed. Automated facilities are more expensive in most locations than a ramp garage to build, however certain sites allow this type of facility to be economically feasible. Advantages such as dense vehicle storage, no pedestrian access to the facility and few attendants weigh in. A diverse variety of structural and functional types of automated, robotic, and mechanical systems exist, such as underground systems that are part of the building foundation or above grade facilities that match neighboring buildings in appearance.

Listed below are the types of fully automated parking systems. Rated characteristics are ranked from a selection of manufacturers whose equipment is of worthwhile consideration for use in the US.

System Type	Description	Cost	Density	Throughput	Redundancy
2D	Fully Automated, Vehicle is lifted up/down and left/right. AKA Lift & Slide, Vertical Puzzle (predominantly vertical spanned). Read more	$
AGV	Robotic parking utilizes Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) to shuttle the vehicles from the transfer cabin into the storage garage. Read more	$$$$
Crane	AKA Rolling Tower. A single mechanism is used to move horizontal and vertical simultaneously. Moves from one parking spot to another quickly. Read more	$$$$
Puzzle	The Horizontal Puzzle is defined by a layout that predominantly spans horizontally. A grid of platforms cover a floor, each supported by rollers and belts which maneuver them until the desired location is achieved. Read more	$$$$
Shuttle	Shuttles move horizontally in a lane recessed in a cement floor or on rails in a steel/concrete structure, moving vehicles to their target area. A robot, platform exchanger, or conveyor located on the shuttle then places the vehicle at its designated location. Read more	$$$$
Silo	A cylindrical system with a single central shaft, which simultaneously rotates as well as moves vertically, allowing for rapid positioning of vehicles. Typically built underground but can be used above ground as well. Read more	$$$$$
Tower	One or two vehicles are placed to the right and left of the elevator shaft. Redundancy is improved by configuring multiple towers side by side. Read more	$$$