Travelers flying out of Düsseldorf Airport will be pleased to know that a Robot valet is available to help them park and retrieve their cars.
The robot, which is basically an automated forklift nicknamed Ray, is booked using a smartphone app. Travelers then leave their car in a designated area, confirm on a nearby touch-screen that the car is empty, and enter the details of their return flight. A ticket pops out, and travelers walk away to catch their flight.
Ray then uses sensors to photograph and measure the car, gently pick it up and take it to one of the 249 parking spots reserved for robots.
Ray will adjust its delivery time if your flight is delayed
Ray is connected to the airport’s flight data system. On the basis of the return flight schedule, Ray will automatically retrieve the car. Ray also takes care of any flight delays to determine when a car should be retrieved for its owner. If there is a change in the flight itinerary, travelers may let Ray know via an app.
Parking by Ray costs about $6 a day above and beyond the cost of $33 a day garage parking at Dusseldorf Airport. It seems like a deal in comparison to more expensive conventional valet service.
Watch this fascinating video to see Ray in action:
