‘Smart Parking Lab’ to Open in Detroit
The State of Michigan is teaming up with Ford, Bedrock and Bosch to launch a real-world test site for emerging parking technology – called the Detroit Smart Parking Lab, the state announced. The lab opens in September, allowing mobility smart infrastructure companies to test parking-related mobility, logistics and electric vehicle charging technologies.
“Michigan continues to lead the way in developing, testing and deploying the solutions that will drive the future of transportation, including mobility-related parking solutions,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who announced the project. “Innovative collaborations like the Detroit Smart Parking Lab are solving issues that will make transportation more accessible and affordable while creating an environment for technology and mobility-related companies to thrive and grow in Michigan.”
DSPL builds upon the automated valet parking demonstration led by Ford, Bedrock and Bosch in August 2020 when they showcased Bosch automated valet parking technology that allowed Ford Escape vehicles to drive and park themselves at Bedrock’s Assembly garage.
To spur other innovators exploring advanced parking technologies, the MEDC, in partnership with the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, has established the Michigan Mobility Funding Program, where organizations can secure funding to develop and test parking-inspired mobility solutions within and around the garage.
