IM Motors, a Chinese automotive manufacturer under the SAIC group, has taken social media by storm with its superior autonomous parking technology. Unlike conventional autonomous parking systems that have become commonplace, IM Motors is developing an entirely new parking solution, allowing vehicles to sidle into parking spots like a crab.
A recent video shared on Chinese media platforms vividly demonstrated this capability. In the video, a heavily camouflaged electric vehicle from IM Motors impressed viewers with its autonomous parking maneuver. A woman is seen exiting the passenger side of the vehicle with a bouquet of flowers, after which the car smoothly moves to the side and slides into a parking spot, all without any driver intervention.
While this parking system appears fully automated, it still requires driver assistance. In the video, the driver can be seen performing steering maneuvers immediately after the doors close. The system operates by rotating the front and rear wheels in opposite directions, combined with precise torque control, to enable lateral vehicle movement.
IM Motors’ lateral parking technology is made possible by its advanced digital chassis, a system that allows the vehicle to manage three-axis motion with six degrees of freedom. This means the car can not only move forward, backward, or turn but also perform more complex maneuvers such as lateral movement or rotation in multiple axes. This control enables superior maneuverability and performance, especially in confined spaces—a common challenge in today’s urban areas.
A key component of this digital chassis is IM Motors’ four-wheel steering system. By allowing the rear wheels to rotate at a significant angle, IM Motors has created a special “crab mode” that enables diagonal movement. This not only enhances the vehicle’s agility but also significantly reduces the turning radius to just 4.99 meters. With this radius, the car can easily maneuver and park in tight spaces without difficulty.
IM Motors’ lateral parking technology is more than just a technical showcase; it offers practical benefits for everyday drivers. The ability to move laterally reduces the stress and difficulty of parking, especially in parallel parking situations in congested urban areas. Additionally, a reduction of 11% in the required parking space length can optimize public parking spaces, an important advantage as space becomes increasingly scarce.
This autonomous parking capability is especially useful for novice drivers who often struggle with complex parking maneuvers. With IM Motors’ technology, drivers only need to perform simple operations, and the system takes care of the rest. This not only enhances convenience but also minimizes the risk of collisions or vehicle damage due to parking errors.
The video has attracted significant attention from online communities and automotive industry experts. Many expressed surprise and interest in this capability, stating that if it weren’t for the multiple camera angles, they would have thought it was a CGI effect. Others remarked that this technology represents a significant step forward in improving the daily driving and parking experience, especially in large cities where parking spaces are always a challenge.
The feedback from the community also underscores the importance of innovation in the automotive industry. Technologies like IM Motors’ not only enhance convenience but also contribute to improved road safety and space utilization. These advancements open up potential for future applications, from developing fully autonomous vehicles to creating smarter transportation systems.
While there is no official word on whether IM Motors intends to bring this technology to mass production, its potential is undeniable. Experts predict that if commercialized, this technology will quickly become a new trend in the automotive industry, especially as the demand for smart and convenient parking solutions continues to rise.
The ability to move laterally may also unlock new possibilities in urban infrastructure design and construction. For example, parking lots could be redesigned to maximize space utilization, or public transport vehicles like buses could be engineered for more agile movement in congested urban areas.
IM Motors has demonstrated that with creativity and the application of advanced technology, parking challenges can be addressed intelligently and effectively. Their lateral parking technology is not just a testament to technical progress but also a significant step towards the future of autonomous vehicles and smart transportation solutions. With its vast potential and clear benefits, it’s no wonder that IM Motors and its technology are becoming a focal point of interest in the global automotive industry.
