uPark

Maximizing Parking Space Efficiency

The uPark app allows private garage or parking space owners to rent out their spots by the hour when not in use. The app handles payments and scheduling, while a hardware device manages gate/barrier openings and monitors vehicle presence.

We co-founded uPark and jumped into creating an MVP and demo parking spaces because we loved the idea. The best is yet to come with uPark’s potential for growth.

Yuri Stoynov

CEO and Co-founder at Celtis

CHALLENGE

The uPark team reached out to us to develop an MVP for their innovative project, which aims to rent out private garages and parking spaces by the hour. The app needed to manage payments and control gate or barrier access through a hardware controller installed at the rental locations.

Key requirements included allowing users to find available parking spots nearby, view pricing, and check how long they can park. Additionally, the system needed to ensure seamless integration between the app and the hardware for opening gates or barriers.

The primary goal of the MVP was to secure funding by showcasing the project’s feasibility and potential.

SOLUTION

To develop the MVP for uPark, we employed innovative technologies to ensure cost-efficiency and seamless integration. Instead of using GSM networks and SIM cards, we utilized an IoT LoRa (Long Range) Network Server for communication with the hardware controller. This choice significantly reduced the costs associated with the hardware devices.

We integrated commercially available controllers for barriers and garage doors, along with sensors to detect vehicle presence at parking spots. These components were seamlessly connected to the user app, enabling real-time monitoring and control.

Additionally, we developed a comprehensive backend admin interface. This interface handles payments, manages the onboarding of users who wish to rent out their spaces, and oversees the entire rental process.

To demonstrate the platform’s capabilities, we set up three fully functional parking spaces in two cities, providing a complete and operational demo for potential investors and users. This practical demonstration highlighted the efficiency and potential of the uPark system.

CELTIS TOP 3 KEY ISSUE SOLUTIONS

Utilized IoT LoRa Network Server to reduce hardware communication costs, avoiding GSM network fees.

Integrated commercially available controllers and sensors for real-time monitoring and opening of barriers or garage doors.

RESULTS

The project resulted in a fully functional system, ready to be showcased to potential investors. The custom-built platform is designed for scalability and growth, allowing for easy enhancements upon securing funding.

The customer app is fully operational, enabling users to manage their parking spaces effectively. Features include setting rental prices, imposing fines for overstays, sending notifications to renters, and more. Additionally, the app supports hotel functionality, allowing hotels to send parking access links to guests before check-in, enabling guests to open barriers via the provided link.

This comprehensive solution not only demonstrates the system’s immediate potential but also sets the stage for future enhancements. With funding secured, the best is yet to come.