Case Study: Improving the Accuracy of an Autonomous Parking Robot

By Mike Ball / 06 May 2020

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Stanley Robotics autonomous parking robot

Trimble has released a case study outlining how the company’s GNSS antennas and receiver have been used to improve the accuracy of Stan, a fully
autonomous outdoor parking and valet robot manufactured by Stanley Robotics. Stab is currently operational at several airports in Europe, moving cars from outside to inside and parking them with high-precision navigational accuracy.

Download the full case study from Trimble’s website here

Autonomous parking solutions have been developed to save the cost of human drivers, and in order to be effective, require a smart, fully autonomous system capable of centimetre-level localization. Stanley Robotics needed to combine perception algorithms and intelligent management software with reliable GNSS technology to achieve a safe and efficient solution.

Stan relies on LiDAR-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) techniques to locate the robot and build a map of its surroundings. Incorporating two LiDAR scanners and four cameras, the SLAM system is always running and fused with the GNSS localization and odometry.

Stanley Robotics selected Trimble’s BX992 dual-antenna GNSS receiver enclosure and two AV59 GNSS antennas to achieve their desired solution. The BX992 is installed inside the robot, and the two antennas are mounted on the robot’s head with maximum separation between them. In order for the robot to attain the required centimetre-level localization, a Trimble BX992 base and a Zephyr antenna are installed at the drop-off cabins where
customers leave their cars until robots move them to a more permanent location. RTK corrections are broadcast by the base over a WiFi link to the robot.

To find out more about the use of GNSS for centimetre-level accuracy in autonomous robots, download the full case study from Trimble’s website.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

How to Balance Drone Propellers by Adding & Removing Material

Tyto Robotics explains how adding or removing material from drone propellers can improve flight stability, precision, and system performance

May 19, 2025
TEKEVER Supports RAF Programme with VTOL UAS for Electronic Warfare

TEKEVER’s AR3 uncrewed aerial system is supporting the UK’s StormShroud programme, advancing electronic warfare capabilities through modular integration and collaborative defence innovation

May 19, 2025
New Long-Endurance VTOL Drone to be Showcased at Xponential 2025

At Xponential 2025, Unmanned Aerospace will display their GH-4, a long-endurance vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) rotorcraft with a patented Automatic Pitch System (APS) and modular capabilities

May 19, 2025
Advanced Turnkey UAS Solutions for Civilian & Defense Applications

Altus LSA's multirotor and fixed-wing drones have been selected by leading clients including NATO, FRONTEX, and the European Maritime Safety Agency

May 19, 2025
AGISTAR Releases Modular USV for Aquatic Survey Applications

AGISTAR introduces the BX-USV II, a compact modular platform engineered for aquatic data collection, environmental monitoring, hydrographic surveying, and infrastructure inspection in shallow and inland waters

May 19, 2025
New Line of Combat-Proven USVs Enhances Maritime Operations

Red Cat Holdings expands into maritime autonomy with a new line of combat-proven USVs, enhancing multi-domain capabilities for modern naval and joint-force operations

May 19, 2025

Featured Content

WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
SAE Media Group Releases Agenda for Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025

The inaugural Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025 will gather global defense leaders in Amman to explore threats, technologies, and strategies shaping regional drone defense

May 13, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.