The State of Michigan partners with Ford, bedrock and Bosch to launch the Detroit Smart Parking Lab, a test site for emerging parking technology.

The lab is slated to open in September, allowing mobility and smart infrastructure pioneers, real estate innovators and startups to test mobility, logistics and electric vehicle charging technologies related to parking.

The collaboration led by Company aims to test more efficient rental car returns.

“Michigan continues to lead the way in developing, testing and deploying solutions that will drive the future of transportation, including mobility-related parking solutions,” said Gov. Gretchen whitmer.

“Innovative collaborations like the Detroit Smart Parking Lab are solving problems that will make transportation more accessible and affordable while creating an environment for technology and mobility companies to thrive and expand in Michigan. “

Whitmer announced the collaboration Thursday at Management information seminars hosted by the Automotive Research Center in Traverse City, Michigan.

“Collaboration is essential for the future of mobility,” said Paul thomas, executive vice-president of Mobility solutions, Americas for Bosch.

“With the Detroit Smart Parking Lab, we have a cross section of collaborators – from government leaders to mobility and technology companies – who will enable us to bring innovation to market through collaboration.”

the MEDC in partnership with the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification established the Michigan Mobility Funding Program.

The organization can obtain funding to develop and test mobility solutions inspired by parking in and around the garage.

“Real estate, auto and government working hand in hand allow us not only to maintain Detroit’s position as a Motor City, but also to portray the city as the evolving tech hub of the Midwest,” said Heather wilberger, CIO at Bedrock.

“Finding parking in an urban setting can represent up to 30% of traffic and vehicle emissions. As the city’s largest real estate developer, these collaborations and programs allow us to develop, test and implement advanced parking technologies to help reduce parking time and emissions. , helping to generate sustainability benefits across our portfolio. “

Enterprise will test how automated valet parking technology can be applied to the Quick Turnaround (QTA) process where rental vehicles are returned, serviced, and then put in place for future rentals.

The Smart Parking Lab’s initial project examines how automated technology can help improve operational efficiency through the QTA process.

“Participation in the DSPL project allows Enterprise to explore the feasibility and viability of autonomous, connected and electrified mobility innovations with recognized technology collaborators,” said Chris Grayson, regional vice president at Enterprise in Detroit.

“As consumer demand and the viability of infrastructure increase in the years to come, these types of vehicle technologies will play an increasingly important role both in the future of sustainable mobility in general and in our fleet. at Enterprise. “

The daily operations of the parking laboratory will be managed by the American Center for Mobility (ACM) and academic organizations focused on accelerating the mobility industry by supporting scientific research, testing, standards and educational programs.

“ACM has extensive experience in operating a 500-acre intelligent mobility test center where we have seen the power to test emerging mobility technologies in intentionally harsh environments,” said Ruben Sarkar, President and CEO of ACM.

“The Detroit Smart Parking Lab provides ACM with a new platform to showcase our operational excellence and our customer base, enabling the development of new mobility innovations. “

We thank Car Rental News for permission to reprint.