Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a key factor in shaping our world as we know it today. If you’ve ever used self-checkout at a grocery store, an automated financial investing service, or operated a self-driving vehicle – then you’ve already experienced AI. Soon, AI will have its hand in everything we do so it’s important that we embrace this innovation as it unfolds.
When it comes to smart parking solutions, operators are looking to AI for better insights into parking behavior, to generate real-time occupancy alerts, and to calculate pricing adjustments based on demand. AI is becoming an essential part of building smart parking infrastructure for a future of urban mobility.
What exactly is AI?
In a nutshell, artificial intelligence is the ability for technology to control mainstream tasks that are usually done by humans. AI has not only simplified everyday activities but advanced them to levels that were once unimaginable. For example, “Siri” on Apple or “Alexa” on Amazon are powered by AI. It’s like speaking to someone with infinite knowledge on any topic that uses recognition, speech-to-text or text-to-speech functions to operate like a real human.
AI technology in parking facilities
In a parking facility, AI-based systems take the onus off the operators and give responsibility to the technology. License Plate Recognition (LPR) is used to estimate the number of vehicles occupying parking spots and monitor how much time a vehicle spends in the lot. This advanced technology can even provide automatic access to specific vehicles by scanning plates and admitting them based on criteria that are inputted into the system. Over time, AI gathers all of this data through “machine learning” and can provide key insights such as the specific time of day when a lot is most full or empty. Insights like this can help managers better adjust pricing models based on parking volume. AI parking systems have the potential to save 300,000 gallons of fuel by 2050 if implemented successfully through capabilities like filtering through parking spaces and notifying drivers of available parking.
Non-AI powered parking facilities are falling behind
We operate in a technologically savvy society that requires innovation and parking facilities are no exception. AI saves time and money by operating on a tech-centered system that makes parking easier for both drivers and operators. Sometimes searching for a parking space can be frustrating and time-consuming – one study showed that drivers spend 17 hours per year searching for spots! A benefit of AI parking solutions is preventing drivers from being guided to a lot that’s already full, effectively reducing the number of vehicles and potential accidents. As well, the use of mobile apps that monitor a driver’s location allows them to pay directly from their smartphone. This eliminates the inconvenience of having to exit the vehicle to pay and increases payment compliance. Drivers are now more inclined than ever to prioritize convenience over anything. For instance, if a family is attending a sporting event in the city and assesses the parking situation beforehand – they are more likely to choose the lot that allows them to book and pay for parking in advance. While the upfront investment of AI technology can be daunting for operators, the long-term impact it can have is well worth it. Marketing convenience is a one-stop shop to success in today’s eager and fast-paced world.
Roker is powered by AI to improve the parking experience
Roker is a cloud-first system that is built on a state-of-the-art architecture that includes AI, blockchain, and Internet of Things to empower real-time transactions. Through innovative technology, Roker is continuously evolving to adapt to the dynamic needs of both new and prospective customers. Roker streamlines the full parking management lifecycle with core capabilities that enable smooth tracking and management of permits, transparent violation management, and rapid enforcement enablement. The simplicity of the Roker system allows anyone from municipalities, parking operators, airports, schools, hospitals, and security to tap into AI functions and operate with the future of urban mobility in mind.
To learn more about Roker and how we leverage AI technology in our advanced parking platform, contact us today.
