A MAJOR airport has launched the first in the UK robot car parking.
Travellers are now able to save time and avoid searching for a free parking spot as they leave their cars in the hands of robots.
London Gatwick Airport has introduced the new Robotic Parking system, which uses state-of-the-art robots to lift vehicles by their wheels and transport them to a secure parking space.
Instead of searching for a bay, drivers simply leave their vehicle inside a private drop-off garage before heading to the terminal.
The robot then takes over, gently lifting the car from underneath its wheels and moving it to an access-restricted parking area.
One of the biggest differences from traditional airport parking is that customers keep hold of their car keys throughout their trip.
When travellers return, their car is brought back ready for collection.
According to Gatwick, the system is compatible with around 95% of vehicle models.
The robotic parking area is located on the airport site and includes 24-hour security patrols, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) at the entrance and exit, perimeter fencing, floodlighting, no public access and Park Mark Safer Parking accreditation.
The airport says the private garages are fully accessible and compliant with the Equality Act 2010, while the shuttle bus linking the facility with the terminal is also fully accessible.
Passengers using the service are just a short walk or shuttle bus ride from the terminal before beginning their journey.