Velodyne is supplying lidar sensors for a new autonomous driving technology from HoloMatic that frees travelers from the burden of time-consuming searches for parking spots. The HoloMatic system, called HoloParking, is China’s first smart valet parking solution that operates 24/7 and in all weather conditions.

Unlike parking assistance systems, HoloParking does not require the vehicle to be driven next to a parking spot. Rather, it allows a driver to leave a vehicle at the entrance of the parking lot. Using HoloParking, the vehicle then finds a parking spot and completes the parking maneuver on its own without human supervision.

For pickup, the returning driver can start the system remotely and the vehicle will automatically drive from the parking spot to the boarding area. Throughout this process, the driver does not need to enter the parking lot.

Using Velodyne’s smart lidar sensors to provide high-resolution, three-dimensional information about the surrounding environment, HoloParking excels in a wide range of scenarios. Whether functioning in an environment with low light, a complex parking lot mixed with people and vehicles, or in severe weather conditions, HoloParking provides users with safe and reliable autonomous parking services.

The commercialization of HoloParking in China is starting in select cities this year, with initial rollout in Shanghai. By 2020, HoloParking is planning to support more than 20 cities, each with at least 20 parking lots.