Parked cars as a service delivery platform

Abstract

We introduce a new view of parked cars as a massive, flexible resource that is currently wasted. Given the power supply in batteries as well as computing, communication, and sensing facilities in cars in conjunction with the precise localization they can provide, parked cars have the potential to serve as a service delivery platform with a wide range of possibilities. We describe diverse applications that can be implemented using parked cars to show the flexibility of the infrastructure. Potential user groups and service providers are discussed. As an illustrative example, a simulation study of the use case of localizing persons in need of assistance is presented. Finally, the need for new algorithms and their analysis adapted to the specifics of parked cars is also highlighted.