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Ford and Bosch demonstrate automated valet parking system

The proof-of-concept garage allows drivers to exit their vehicle and have it autonomously parked when they arrive, however a commercial rollout may still be a long time away.


An automated valet car park system is being developed by Ford and Bosch in the US.

When the Ford Escape test vehicle arrives in a designated area of the car park, the driver can then use a smartphone app to initiate automated parking.

The test vehicle communicates with integrated Bosch sensors to locate empty spaces within the facility.

The same sensors can identify and avoid pedestrians and other hazards, and will autonomously park the car.

“We are continually searching for opportunities to expand our leading suite of Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technologies that help people drive more confidently and we believe automated valet parking technology holds great promise,” said Ford's chief technology officer, Ken Washington.

“Our work with Bosch and Bedrock also aligns with our vision for the future, which includes increasingly automated vehicles that are more aware of their surroundings while requiring less on-board computing to help improve design, packaging and affordability.”

According to Ford, the vehicle-to-infrastructure communication platform can be retrofitted to existing vehicles.

Bosch, known best to consumers for its power tools and home appliances for consumers, is also one of the world's biggest automotive technology suppliers.

In 2017 it partnered with Daimler to build a similar automated valet system for the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

According to a joint statement from Ford and Bosch, the automated valet system will eventually be capable of more complex operations such as charging, refuelling, and car washing.

It is not yet clear when these automated valet parking services will be offered commercially, and Ford has indicated that it does not have a firm timeline for widespread public rollout.

Watch the 2017 Mercedes-Benz/Bosch automated valet parking system in action at the bottom of this story.


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William Davis

William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.

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