Continental joins Leipzig-based AI start-up Kopernikus Automotive

The DAX-listed company acquires a minority stake. The start-up offers automated parking in multi-storey car parks.

The automotive parts supplier Continental is investing in the AI start-up Kopernikus Automotive from Leipzig. Both companies have agreed not to disclose the amount of the investment, but the DAX-listed corporation is acquiring a minority stake.

Kopernikus Automotive has developed a technology that allows cars to park automatically in parking garages. Fixed sensors are installed in the parking garages for this purpose, and AI-supported algorithms then allegedly steer the vehicle safely to the parking space. The two companies now want to work together to further develop the technology. The successes of the cooperation are to be seen for the first time in a parking garage at the IAA 2021 in Munich. Continental sees potential in the technology, especially for parking garages in car factories or in logistics centers.

"In the future, cars will be moved autonomously in factories and also in parking garages," says Ralph Lauxmann, Head of Strategy and Future Solutions for the Autonomous Mobility and Safety business unit at Continental. "The investment in Kopernikus is the logical next step for us to further advance both topics and offer a marketable solution in a timely manner." The necessary technology for automatic parking is already installed as standard in many vehicles today, says Continental.