German car maker BMW will be showing a new autonomous valet parking system at this month’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The parking system can be activated by the drivers watch, meaning the car will park itself while the driver just hops out and walks away.
The new system will feature on a research version of the i3 electric car. BMW says the Remote Valet Parking Assistant marks a benchmark toward using perfectly controlled technology in all driving situations.
The valet-style parking feature can be activated via a special wristwatch after the driver leaves the car. The car will steer itself, for example through various levels in a multi-story car park, avoiding obstacles including other vehicles and then pilot itself into an empty parking spot. It could mean an end to having to run up and down car park stairs or long waits for car park lifts.