Automated Valet Parking

BMW and Valeo develop Level-4 parking systems

17. Februar 2023, 8:51 Uhr | Irina Hübner

BMW and Valeo have entered into a strategic cooperation focusing on the development of next-generation parking functions. The two companies' assistance system is designed to enable comfortable and user-friendly parking on private lots and in public parking spaces.

The BMW Group and Valeo are intensifying their long-standing partnership with a new collaboration. After announcing an extensive collaboration on ADAS domain controllers, sensors and software for parking and maneuvering for the future "New Class" platform generation, BMW and Valeo have now also announced a cooperation on the development of fully automated parking technologies up to Level 4.

From maneuvering assistance to Level 4 parking service

The functions, which are all based on vehicle-integrated technologies and sensors, range from the »Automated Maneuver Assistance« maneuvering aid to the »Automated Valet Parking« level 4 parking service. Infrastructure-based services are also being jointly developed to enable customers to park and charge fully automatically in appropriately equipped public parking spaces and parking garages.

The software functions are based on the current software stack for driverless parking introduced by BMW in 2021 with the BMW iX. In the next generation, the software will be expanded to run jointly developed algorithms on a powerful computing platform.

»This joint development is an important milestone for the BMW Group in terms of our new generation of automated driving and parking solutions. With scalable Level 4 parking functions, we are strengthening our leading position in this field,« explains Nicolai Martin, Head of Driver Experience at the BMW Group. »To develop functions that will delight our customers, we need state-of-the-art software and hardware solutions in all parts of the digital value chain, as well as a powerful data ecosystem for the vehicle fleet. At BMW Group, we are excited to extend our long-standing partnership with Valeo through this strategic collaboration.«

Expand portfolio to Level 4

»This collaboration, which builds on stack components already launched in the market, will allow us to leverage our expertise and technologies, such as in advanced AI-based computer vision algorithms, and expand our portfolio to include Level 4 capabilities as well as cloud services. Other automakers will have the opportunity to participate in this platform, with BMW once again setting the standard for the most intuitive and convenient user experience that our customers rightly expect,« added Marc Vrecko, President Comfort and Driving Assistance Systems Business Group at Valeo.

What is Automated Valet Parking?

Automated Valet Parking (AVP), a driverless parking service, provides drivers and passengers with a fully automated parking experience. At an exit zone, the driver exits the car. The vehicle then autonomously performs tasks such as finding a parking space and making the necessary parking and exit maneuvers. The vehicle can also drive autonomously back to an entry zone, where the driver takes over again.

Additional services possible

For optimized use of parking time, additional services such as fully automated charging or car washing can be provided. Such functions offer real customer benefits in terms of convenience and safety.

According to a future ISO standard available as a draft, automated valet parking solutions are divided into two categories: Type 1 and Type 2 systems. In Type 1 systems, the required technologies (including all sensors, computing units and algorithms) run in the vehicle. In Type 2 systems, the required systems (including sensors and AVP management system) are built into the relevant infrastructure, for example in parking garages, and the vehicle is controlled by this infrastructure.

The partnership supports both AVP systems, Type 1 and Type 2, with the aim of developing advanced solutions that provide next-generation parking functions up to Level 4 in line with market and customer requirements.