The system is already operating in real parking facilities, where multiple robots move vehicles at the same time.CISCO
Automated parking robots are moving from novelty to real-world deployment, and a system rolling out in South Korea shows how much reliable connectivity matters to making that shift work at scale.
HL Robotics has developed an automated parking solution called Parkie, designed to remove the stress from parking in tight, crowded lots.
Instead of drivers hunting for space, robots take control of the vehicle and move it into position autonomously.
The system is already operating in real parking facilities, where multiple robots move vehicles at the same time. The key challenge is not the mechanics alone, but keeping every robot connected at all times inside concrete-heavy, multi-level garages.
For this kind of setup, even brief communication loss can stop operations or create safety risks. That is where industrial-grade wireless networking becomes central to the system’s design.
At the core of Parkie’s operation is a wireless backbone that allows robots to coordinate movements, receive commands, and relay status data in real time while constantly on the move.
Each parking robot depends on continuous, low-latency communication to function safely. Robots must know their exact position, coordinate with other units, and adjust movement instantly.
Parking garages are difficult wireless environments. Thick concrete walls, metal structures, moving vehicles, and changing layouts can disrupt standard Wi-Fi connections.
HL Robotics uses Cisco’s Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul (URWB) to maintain uninterrupted communication. The technology is designed for industrial environments where dropped signals or latency spikes are unacceptable.
URWB supports near-zero latency and lossless communication, allowing robots to move while staying connected. It enables seamless handoffs between access points using a make-before-break approach, ensuring the connection remains active even as robots roam across coverage zones.
Another feature, multipath operations, sends high-priority traffic across multiple paths and frequencies simultaneously. This helps prevent packet loss when several robots move at once or when radio conditions change.
Cisco’s system also includes built-in monitoring tools that log network status in real time. If a disruption occurs, operators can quickly identify where and when it happened and respond without shutting down the system.
Parkie is designed to work in a wide range of parking facilities, from small garages to large commercial structures. Fleets can scale from a few robots to more than ten operating simultaneously.
The robots handle precise positioning, reduce the risk of door damage, and allow vehicles to be parked closer together. This can increase parking capacity without expanding physical space.
Beyond parking, the system reflects a broader trend in robotics. As robots move into public infrastructure, wireless reliability becomes just as important as mechanical design.
Cisco positions the same rugged networking technology used in Parkie for other harsh environments, including factories, logistics hubs, and outdoor industrial sites. These networks are built to withstand temperature swings, moisture, vibration, and physical obstructions.
