selfparking

Self-parking, or automated parking, is a vehicle feature that uses sensors and computer control to park a car with little or no human steering. It can perform parallel, perpendicular, or angle parking in various environments such as garages or curbside lots. Some systems require driver supervision and inputs; others can perform hands-free parking under certain conditions.

Most systems combine ultrasonic or radar sensors, cameras, and sometimes lidar with a parking-planning algorithm. The driver selects park assist or initiates a search for a suitable space; the system maps the environment, identifies a space, and actuates steering while the driver controls the accelerator and brakes, or in more advanced modes, the vehicle handles steering, throttle, and braking autonomously. Sensors avoid obstacles and monitor surroundings.

There are assisted parking systems, where the user remains in control, and fully autonomous parking, where the car parks itself with minimal input. Market adoption increased in the 2010s and has become common in many mid- to high-end vehicles. The technology is related to valet parking and is sometimes bundled with navigation-assisted parking.

Systems typically require clear lines of sight, well-lit environments, and functional sensors; adverse weather or tight spaces can impair performance. The driver remains responsible for overall safety in many implementations. Privacy and cybersecurity considerations are discussed in various jurisdictions.

As sensor tech and AI improve, autonomous parking capabilities are expected to become more common, potentially enabling remote or teleoperated parking and integration with broader autonomous driving systems.