Valeo parks the car without the driver at the wheel
System uses wireless technology to connect with driver's smartphone
AE in Technology.
- Published in Technology.
In production by 2014: The parking assist system is based on Park4U technology
Valeo has developed a remotely controlled parking assist system based on its Park4U technology. It could be in production by 2014.
The system uses wireless technology to connect with the driver’s smartphone, so customers can park their vehicle without the need to be behind the wheel.
Park4U Remote can park the vehicle either perpendicular or parallel, scanning for a space at speeds of up to 30km/h. It has been designed so it can be synchronised with both Apple OS and Android devices.
Valeo said: “The system uses the same basic sensor technology as Park4U, and the data exchange takes place over the CANbus network. The only difference is that it can only be used with an automatic transmission.”
As with Valeo’s standard parking assistance system, Park4U Remote can assist the driver through any number of forward and reverse manoeuvres until the vehicle is properly parked. It requires only 40cm of space on either side of the vehicle.
“It won’t go into production today or tomorrow, or even next year. Three to four years is probably a good indication as to when the system could come to the market,” said Valeo.
While Valeo stated that there are few technological challenges to launching the technology, societal issues will have to be addressed – should there be an accident without the driver in the vehicle, who is responsible?
Valeo’s current system is used in vehicles ranging from the VW Touran MPV to the Audi A6 sedan, but carmakers including BMW are also researching remote parking assist systems.
