Industry Partnership Launches Autonomous Parking Attendant Robot

In a strategic partnership between Locomobi World/Mobi Robotics and Barrett CTI, a multi-phase research project was undertaken to retrofit and redesign an autonomous parking attendant robot. The initiative spanned over 20 months and involved reverse engineering, systems integration, and final commercialization. The robot is designed to patrol parking lots, enhance security, assist users, and support emergency services.

The collaboration unfolded in three phases:

Phase 1 (Jan–Apr 2024): Reverse engineering and technology investigation.

Phase 2 (May–Dec 2024): Full systems integration including 3D LiDAR, drive systems, safety, and vision systems.

Phase 2.1 (Jan–Aug 2025): Refinement and redesign of the robot frame, leading to final handover for commercialization.

The project was supported by Humber’s GRIF and NSERC ARD grants and involved contributions from Locomobi leadership, Humber faculty and Students, Barrett CTI technologists and administrative staff, and the Office of Research & Innovation.

The collaboration provided hands-on experience to a team of Humber FAST students, who contributed across multiple phases of the project — from research and prototyping to systems integration and testing. Among them, Vincenzo Lombardo and Isaac Ruchlemer progressed from research assistants to co-op students and were ultimately hired full-time by Locomobi World/Mobi Robotics. This outcome exemplifies Humber’s commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful industry partnerships.