“Ferrari, there is no system other than MPSystem that can park long vehicles like a Carnival with a robot. I think it's a matter of quality.”
On 6th at 3 p.m. (local time), Abhiram Sitakalin, 40, CEO of Parkplus, met with reporters and noted, “The robotic parking systems of other corporations in Korea and China can only accommodate vehicles with fixed specifications,” explaining the reason for distributing MPSystem's robotic parking system to clients. MPSystem is the robotic parking system of SP&Mobility, a joint venture created by Sampyo Group and the startup Semperem, which possesses robotic parking technology.
Sitakalin's family established 'Inter Auto Process,' an accredited distribution company for automated parking systems (the predecessor of Parkplus), in 1993 and has distributed parking systems to Italy, China, Japan, and Korea. Sitakalin, who majored in aerospace engineering at KAIST, was convinced that the robotic parking distribution business could grow as land prices in Thailand skyrocketed. He is now collaborating with SP&Mobility to provide robotic parking technology.
Now just 40 years old, Sitakalin was wearing a blue Parkplus work uniform during the interview. The interview took place for about an hour at the 'Hilton Bangkok Grand Sukhumvit' hotel near Phrom Phong station of the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) on Sukhumvit Road.
-What is the reason for expecting growth in the robotic parking system market in Thailand?
“It's because people's choices will disappear. As land prices rise too much, it's difficult to secure space for self-parking lots, and eventually, we have no choice but to move to robotic parking systems that can enhance space efficiency.”
-Could you explain a bit more specifically?
“In Thailand, there is a law stating that every building must be designed to park one vehicle per 120 square meters. Regardless of which parking system is introduced, this regulation must be adhered to. However, to secure parking spaces and build self-parking lots, too much land is needed, and in an urban area with high land prices, it essentially means we have no choice but to adopt a robotic parking system that is more space efficient.”
-Why is space efficiency important?
“For example, if more space needs to be secured for parking, either more parking land must be acquired or the land must be excavated further underground. Ultimately, the cost of building increases, making it more expensive to buy residences or stay in accommodations. Conversely, utilizing robotic parking to enhance space utilization could mean lower housing prices. Better use of limited space can also improve the quality of life for people.”
-Robotic parking is a more expensive system than conventional self-parking. Is that right?
“Of course, it's more expensive. However, comparing the space secured through robotic parking and the amount saved in that space, it can ultimately save a larger amount of money. This is because the secured space can be utilized in various ways.”
-Could you provide an example?
“Nowadays, many condos in Thailand include facilities like basketball courts or karaoke. This is possible because space was saved using the robotic parking system. It allows for the creation of various added values by securing space.”
-Other corporations also have robotic parking systems. If MPSystem has strengths, what are they?
“The most important and special strength is that we can accommodate larger vehicles. Using the robotic parking systems of other competitors in China or Korea, only vehicles up to 5,300 mm (5.3 m) can be accommodated, while MPSystem can accommodate up to 5,400 mm. While anyone can extend parking spaces, accommodating larger vehicles in the same area is a matter of technology. In this regard, the technology of MPSystem to accommodate long vehicles overwhelms competitors.”
-What advantages are there in being able to accommodate long vehicles?
“For example, luxury vehicles tend to be longer. Expensive residential buildings or hotels often have longer vehicles parked. A system that can easily accommodate supercars like Ferrari is necessary. Additionally, tourist areas like Pattaya frequently see large vehicles such as the Carnival. It is essential that the robotic parking system can accommodate the Carnival, which is a strength in this aspect.”