Gatwick Airport Deploys UK’s First Robotic Parking System in Partnership with Stanley Robotics

London Gatwick Airport has become the first UK airport to introduce a robotic parking service, developed in partnership with Stanley Robotics. The new facility, located near the South Terminal, allows passengers to park their vehicles in a private drop-off cabin and retain possession of their keys throughout their trip. Unlike traditional valet services, this automated system utilises autonomous robots to lift vehicles by their tyres and transport them to a secure, high-density storage area.

The service is designed to improve efficiency by eliminating the need for drivers to search for available spaces. Passengers drive into an enclosed cabin, scan their booking, and exit the vehicle. The robotic system then moves the car to storage, positioning vehicles closer together than in conventional car parks to maximise capacity without requiring additional infrastructure. On-site staff remain available to retrieve essential items accidentally left in vehicles after drop-off, and a free shuttle bus is provided for passenger convenience, although the facility is within walking distance of the terminal.

Operations are scheduled to commence in August, with the service available exclusively for advance booking. Same-day drive-up parking is not permitted. During the booking process, passengers provide their return flight details, enabling the system to monitor arrival times and ensure vehicles are ready in a collection cabin upon their return. The service is restricted to most standard passenger cars, subject to specific size limits, though exact dimensions were not detailed in the source material.

This deployment marks the first use of Stanley Robotics’ technology at a UK airport, although the company has previously implemented similar systems in other international markets. The initiative aims to address growing parking demand and reduce the time passengers spend navigating car parks. According to London Gatwick, the system offers additional peace of mind by allowing travellers to keep their keys while the automated machinery handles parking and retrieval.

Oli Bedford, Head of Airport Access, Marketing and Commercial Products at London Gatwick, described the service as a significant advancement in airport infrastructure. Stanley Robotics CEO Clément Boussard added that the partnership represents a major milestone for the company in the UK, aiming to address critical parking capacity challenges as the airport prepares for future growth.