The State of Michigan, Ford, Bedrock and Bosch are launching a real-world test site for emerging parking technology – named the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL). Scheduled to open in September, the lab will facilitate smart infrastructure and mobility companies and startups in development of “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. “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.”
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) – in partnership with the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification – has established the Michigan Mobility Funding Program to provide funding to develop and test parking-inspired mobility solutions within and around the garage.
“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 tech companies – that will empower us to bring innovation to market through collaboration.”
The garage will be used to continue the work of Ford, Bedrock and Bosch who gave an automated valet parking demonstration last year.
“Real estate, auto and government working hand-in-hand allows us to not only maintain Detroit’s position as the Motor City but showcase the city as the evolving tech hub of the Midwest,” said Heather Wilberger, chief information officer at Bedrock. “Finding parking in urban environments can account for as much as 30 percent of vehicle traffic and 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 drive sustainability benefits throughout our portfolio.”