The two companies have signed a strategic cooperation agreement that will focus on the joint development of the next generation of high-end parking user experience for customers on private grounds and parking facilities. The functions will range from Automated Maneuver Assistance to Level 4 Automated Valet Parking, all based on technology and sensors in the car. The software functions will be based on the current automated parking software stack first launched with the BMW iX in 2021. In the next generation, it will be further extended by a powerful computing platform hosting the jointly developed algorithms.
Automated Valet Parking (AVP) offers drivers and passengers a fully automated and driverless parking experience, allowing the vehicle to take over tasks such as autonomously finding a parking spot, the necessary maneuvers for parking in and out, and can also drive back to a pick-up zone to return the vehicle to the driver. To optimize the use of parking time, additional services such as fully automated charging or washing can be deployed, offering customers benefits in terms of comfort and safety.
According to the draft of an upcoming ISO standard, Automated Valet Parking solutions will be clustered in two main categories, Type 1 and Type 2 systems. The necessary technologies for a Type 1 system, including all sensors, computing units, and algorithms, run on the vehicle, while for a Type 2 system, the required technologies are installed in the relevant infrastructure, such as a parking facility, and the vehicle is controlled by the infrastructure.
Source: BMW
