Smart mobility startup Human Horizons has rolled out what it claims is the first Level 4 autonomous valet parking (AVP) system using its HiPh X production vehicle.
The launch of the valet service comes after trials were conducted in Shanghai. The AVP system uses Level 4 self-driving technology based on the integration of vehicle and road-integrated technologies. Sensors such as lasers, radar and communication devices in parking areas identify and track vehicles and obstacle positions and then sends this information via 5G to the vehicle to guide it to a parking space.
Driver’s will be able to exit the car from anywhere in a parking garage and leave the car to park itself autonomously. When they retrieve the car, they use an app to summon the vehicle and drive away.
Human Horizon’s HiPhi X vehicle is debuting at this week’s Beijing Auto Show and the company said it will be the first mass-produced smart electric vehicle to equip Level 4 autonomous parking. Additionally, the car will feature an autopilot system that employs similar features as aircraft safety using a dual-redundancy system for its components to ensure the system will work even if one part of the system malfunctions.
The autopilot system can start, stop, turn and drive the vehicle within a 0 to 130 km/h speed range, allowing drivers to take their foot, hands, eyes and attention away from the road. This is achieved by 24 sensors placed on the car — smart front view and surround-view cameras, millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic radar, driver status detection DMS cameras and more.
The goal is to not only allow for greater safety in garages but to also increase efficiency for parking structures as well as help overcome challenges in these underground facilities where there is no GPS and wireless connectivity is problematic.
While this may be the first Level 4 autonomous valet system, other automated parking systems are currently being tested including Ford Motors and Bosch’s project for an automated parking garage in Detroit that allows Ford Escape test vehicles to drive and park themselves in a garage that could allow for 20% more vehicles to be parked in the structure.
