Bosch and Daimler Get Official Approval for Driverless Valet Parking Technology

Bosch and Daimler, which owns Mercedes, marked a significant advance in their drive to achieve automated driving. The two companies have gained official approval from the concerned authorities in Baden-Württemberg for their innovative automated parking system. The system has been installed in the Mercedes-Benz Museum parking garage in Stuttgart.

Motorists who wish to park in the garage can access the automated valet parking service through a a smartphone app. There is absolutely no need for a safety driver. With the seal of official approval, the system become the first fully automated driverless SAE Level 41 parking function in the world to get official approval for everyday use.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Markus Heyn, member of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH said that the decision by the authorities showed that technological innovations like automated valet parking are possible in Germany first. He went on to add that driverless driving and parking are important stepping stones for future mobility.

Bosch and Daimler developed the system as the outcome of several years of collaboration and the focus was always on safety. The driver can drive into the car park, get out of the car and send the car to a parking space just by tapping on a smartphone screen. The system comprises intelligent parking garage infrastructure that is supplied by Bosch and Mercedes-Benz automotive technology.

Bosch developed the sensors that have been integrated in the parking garage for monitoring the driving corridor and its surroundings. These sensors provide the information that is needed to guide the vehicle. The technology that is available in the car converts the commands from the infrastructure into driving maneuvers. This way, cars can even drive themselves up and down ramps to move between stories in the parking garage. The vehicle stops immediately if the infrastructure sensors detect an obstacle.