US-based automated parking service provider, Boomerang Systems, has entered into a four-year manufacturing and software licensing agreement with technology services company John Bean Technologies (JBT).

Under the new agreement, JBT will manufacture the automated guided vehicles (AGV) and license its SGV3000 software for integration into Boomerang’s RoboticValet automated parking system.

Boomerang will also assist JBT in developing a next-generation AGV for Boomerang’s exclusive use in the automated parking and consumer self-storage markets.

This new version of RoboticValet is expected to offer improved performance and reliability, in addition to being cost effective to manufacture.

Boomerang noted that as JBT is recognised as one of the premier providers of AGV technology, it will be able to dedicate resources to the development and manufacturing of RoboticValet.

"JBT will manufacture the automated guided vehicles and license its SGV3000 software for integration into Boomerang’s RoboticValet automated parking system."

Boomerang Systems chief executive officer Mark Patterson said that the new agreement with JBT will allow the company to cut its cost structure, while improving its ability for speedy delivery of a superior product in significant volumes.

JBT AGV general manager Barry Douglas said: "We look forward to working with Boomerang to more efficiently satisfy the robotic parking demand they have generated to date, while also developing a next generation RoboticValet."

Boomerang’s RoboticValet Parking System is powered by robots that drive on concrete slab floors to transport vehicles to and from parking spaces.

In addition to eliminating the need to construct ramps, the technology lowers the number of drive aisles, allowing cars to fit in nearly half the space required by a conventional garage.

The system also cuts carbon emissions as cars will be shut off before being parked in the garage.