While CES is a huge show for traditional mainstream tech, like speakers and TVs, it's also a playground for more blue-sky ideas that might come out of left field.
One such example that's gaining traction at this year's show is Parkie, a parking robot that can take control of a car from underneath, to manoeuvre it perfectly into a parking spot for its driver.
From the minds at HL Mando, Parkie looks like a low plank of metal until you take a closer look and see all the seams and smarts that it's hiding.
It effectively slides under your car and, from there, it's able to lift the whole vehicle just off the ground, in order to then roll it around without needing any access to the car's own systems or power.
Once lifted, Parkie can move the car into a parking spot that might be so tight that a human driver, or even an autonomous mode, would struggle to find an entry angle for.
HL Mando says that this can allow parking lots to be redesigned with new layouts, since bays can be much smaller and tighter without the risk of human error when pulling in or out of them – freeing up around 30% more space for vehicles, according to its own estimates.
The robot has a whole heap of sensors, unsurprisingly, to help it move around independently and avoid any obstacles, and effectively works like a valet – you'd summon your car from its parking spot and wait while Parkie goes to get it out for you.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Like a fair few of the biggest innovations at CES, this won't be one that you can expect easy access to anytime soon – for now, it's being sold only to organisations, rather than private citizens. After all, it's really for parking lots rather than urban parking spaces, so you're unlikely to ever need one for home use.
Still, this is a very fun glimpse at what feels like a pretty futuristic version of the parking lot experience - one that involves a lot less frustration at either a shortage of spaces or shortcomings in other drivers' parking abilities.
Max is T3's Staff Writer for the Tech section – with years of experience reporting on tech and entertainment. He's also a gaming expert, both with the games themselves and in testing accessories and consoles, having previously flexed that expertise at Pocket-lint as a features editor.
-
You’ve seen the rebrand, now here’s the first new Jaguar EV
The Type 00 concept previews Jaguar’s all-new electric line-up. We speak to the creatives behind it
By Phil McNamara Published
-
Audi A6 e-tron: your up-market EV estate has landed
The Audi A6 saloon and Avant estate – plus sportier S6 versions of both – deliver futuristic looks and promise huge range.
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Tesla cars are ditching one of the most popular entertainment features
Some owners might find one of their in-car features becomes no longer accessible
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Range Rover Sport SV’s seat tech made my heart rate race
While the Range Rover Sport SV will set your pulse racing, its seat can do much more
By Mat Gallagher Last updated
-
Caterham Seven 170R is a little joy machine
Driving has never been as fun as in a Caterham and the latest track version of the entry-level Seven 170 is ready for anything
By Mat Gallagher Last updated
-
13 of the most innovative cars ever made
From the first motorcars (which didn't even have doors) to everyday wonders and alternative tech, these are our all-time favourites.
By Alistair Charlton Published
-
Test driving Android Auto: why you need it on your next trip
Try out the future of driving
By David Nield Published