Is Artificial Intelligence the Future of Smart Parking?
December, 2021
As cities strive to become smarter and more sustainable, artificial intelligence and its broad applications have been invaluable. The ability of machine learning to collect and analyze massive amounts of data instantly offers various implications for city traffic, drivers, and the parking industry. Through artificial intelligence, smart cities are able to gather real-time traffic data to better understand the movement of cars and figure out solutions to congestion. This information can be used to recommend nearby parking spaces to cars in search of parking. Parking facilities can and should be taking advantage of AI and its extensive applications as well.
Real-Life Examples Of AI Smart Parking Systems
There are various smart car parks around the world that are proving how AI can improve smart parking systems. One of these car parks is at the Port Macquarie campus of Charles Sturt University in Australia. Using machine learning algorithms, the smart parking application is capable of predicting future occupancy rates at the car park. The algorithm uses previous parking data in combination with student class timetable data to produce accurate predictions of parking occupancy.
Similarly, a smart car park at the Corda Campus technology campus in Belgium is using AI to help drivers find a parking spot as effortlessly as possible. Cegeka’s smart parking system allows smart entrance barriers, ANPR cameras, badge access systems, welcome screens, and license plate databases to communicate with each other. This enables the smart car parking system to guide the driver to the best possible parking spot.
The Benefits Of AI In Smart Parking Systems
Just as AI is increasingly relied on by cities to solve traffic congestion, it can do the same for parking spaces. Leveraging AI in smart parking systems can help simplify and improve the experience for drivers. By recommending parking spaces using real-time parking occupancy data, AI can save drivers time finding a parking spot. This also minimizes the amount of traffic congestion and ensuing frustration that many drivers face at busy car parks.
There are wider implications of AI technology in smart parking systems as well. An estimated 30-45% of traffic in cities is caused by cars circling in search of parking spaces. “With AI smart parking systems, drivers can find parking almost immediately. This minimizes the amount of cars on the road circling and looking for a parking space,” explains Louise Wright, a tech blogger. “Thus, smart parking systems using AI technology can help ease traffic congestion in urban areas.”
The Applications Of AI In Parking Management
There are endless ways to apply artificial intelligence to parking management. Here a couple of applications to enhance the parking experience for drivers and reduce overcrowding in parking spaces.
Automatic License Plate Recognition
Using AI technology, smart parking spaces can communicate with license plate databases after scanning a vehicle’s license plate. This enables parking managers to provide authorized occupants with automatic access to the parking lot. Parking managers will have greater control over who enters the parking space. Authorized parking users, on the other hand, will also benefit from this parking system. Since their vehicles are automatically recognized, this removes the need for parking tickets. This allows for a more seamless and quicker parking experience.
Parking Occupancy Predictions
One of the best applications of AI in smart parking systems is the ability to predict parking occupancy using algorithms that study previous parking data. This equips parking managers with more accurate information to determine peak times. It also provides a better understanding of parking behaviour among drivers.
Adaptive Pricing
Once parking managers identify peak parking times, they can adjust their pricing model accordingly. Charging more for peak hours can help prevent congestion in the parking lot. “Using AI, smart parking spaces can modify prices in real-time based on the current consumer demand,” according to Shawn Anderson, a business writer.
Real-time Parking Occupancy
This is probably the most widely known application of AI in smart parking management. Displaying real-time data on parking occupancy and availability is extremely beneficial for both parking managers and drivers.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence is paving the way to the future of smart cities. Parking facilities should adapt accordingly and take advantage of AI’s endless potential applications for smart parking. Not only does AI improve the parking experience for drivers and reduce traffic congestion, it also makes smart parking smarter for parking managers.
George J. Newton is a business development manager and tech writer at Write My Coursework. He has been married for ten years, perfecting the art of the apology throughout.
