#Japan #AI Technology #Yokohama #NEC #Automated Parking

NEC's Innovation in Automated Parking

NEC, a leader in technology and solutions, is embarking on an exciting initiative that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency in mechanical parking facilities. This proof of concept is set to commence in January 2026 and aims to address a pressing issue in the service industry: the shortage of qualified personnel.

Background

In urban environments, mechanical parking facilities are essential components of office buildings and commercial centers, where operators assist users in parking and ensuring safe operations. One of the most challenging tasks operators face is determining whether a vehicle can be accepted into the parking facility. Traditionally, this has relied heavily on the operator's experience, as they must visually identify the type of vehicle, remember its dimensions, and consider additional factors like roof carriers.

However, this dependency on personal expertise presents two significant challenges:

1. Risk of Errors and Employee Turnover: Misjudgments can lead to vehicle damage, increasing psychological stress on the operators and contributing to a higher turnover rate.
2. Escalating Training Costs: New staff require about six months to acquire the necessary skills, placing a substantial burden on both the organizations and employees involved in training.

To tackle these issues, NEC aims to standardize and automate the vehicle entry assessments using AI technology, ultimately fostering a safer and more manageable work environment for operators.

Proof of Concept Details

The proof of concept will test the viability of an AI system designed to make automated vehicle entry decisions. Key details include:

• - Duration: From January 2026 for approximately one month, including data evaluation.
• - Location: A mechanical parking facility integrated within an office building in Kanagawa Ward, Yokohama City.
• - Testing Focus:

- Technical Validation: Assessing the AI's accuracy in recognizing vehicle models, manufacturing years, dimensions, and additional features like roof carriers, along with the information retrieval necessary for managing vehicle entry and exit.
- Business Validation: Evaluating the optimal number and placement of cameras needed for practical operation and the anticipated benefits of implementing the system.

Future Outlook

Following the insights gained from this proof of concept, NEC intends to launch a solution that assists operators in their judgment tasks related to vehicle entry by the fiscal year 2026. Additionally, there are plans to integrate this solution with unmanned operational technologies, further accelerating the digital transformation of parking services.

NEC will also showcase this automated vehicle entry system during a preliminary demonstration of unmanned solutions slated for December 2025.

Conclusion

The introduction of AI into mechanical parking facilities marks a significant step toward enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the dependence on human experience to eliminate avoidable errors and improve employee satisfaction. NEC's innovative approach is set to transform the future of parking solutions, addressing prevalent industry challenges while paving the way for a more automated environment.

For further inquiries, please contact:
NEC Industry Infrastructure Division, New Business Development Group
Email: [email protected]