🇯🇵 UCG and NEC to Pilot AI-Powered Next-Generation Parking Services in Japan

UrbanChain’s parking operating system will connect with NEC’s computer-vision technology to evaluate safer, more convenient and data-driven parking experiences.

First POC in Tokyo

TOKYO — August 7, 2026 — UrbanChain today announced a collaboration with NEC Corporation to conduct a proof-of-concept trial for a new generation of digitally managed parking services. The trial is scheduled to begin in September 2026 at an outdoor parking facility in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Japan.

The project will connect UrbanChain’s parking operating system—including automated payment capabilities—with NEC’s AI-powered computer-vision technology for detecting when occupants exit a vehicle.

Rather than treating vehicle entry as the only indication that parking has begun, the system is designed to understand what happens after a vehicle enters the facility. This creates the potential for parking services that are safer, more precise and better aligned with how each space is actually used.

Rethinking when a parking session begins

Most parking facilities begin charging as soon as a vehicle enters. This can result in drivers being charged while searching for an available space during congested periods, or for entering temporarily to pick up passengers, drop someone off or make a U-turn.

By detecting when an occupant leaves the vehicle, UrbanChain and NEC will evaluate whether parking sessions can instead be initiated based on actual parking behavior.

The companies will also examine whether the technology can identify vehicles whose occupants have not exited for an extended period. This could support earlier detection of potential medical emergencies or other situations requiring attention.

Screenshot from UrbanPortal

One system for operations, safety and intelligence

The approximately one-month trial will evaluate both the technical feasibility and commercial potential of the combined solution.

Technical evaluation will include:

• Effectiveness of AI-based occupant-exit detection

• Connectivity between NEC’s detection technology and UrbanChain’s parking operating system

• Identification of vehicles where no occupant exit is detected for an extended period

• Accuracy of occupant counting for future visitor and facility analysis

Operational and commercial evaluation will include:

• Optimal camera quantity and placement for real-world deployment

• Practical value of safety notifications for vehicles with no detected occupant exit

• Feasibility of parking charges initiated by occupant exit rather than vehicle entry

The proof of concept follows joint development discussions initiated by UrbanChain and NEC in April 2026.

Building the data layer for physical destinations

Beyond parking operations, occupant counting could help commercial properties better understand visitor arrivals and movement patterns. Subject to appropriate privacy safeguards, aggregated data could enable property owners and operators to make more informed decisions about facility operations, customer experience and resource allocation.

UrbanChain and NEC intend to explore future applications across outdoor and mechanical parking facilities, as well as data services supporting commercial destinations.

“Parking should respond to what people actually do, not simply to the moment a vehicle crosses an entrance,” said Vitaly Pentegov, CEO at UrbanChain Group. “By connecting NEC’s computer-vision capabilities with UrbanChain’s parking operating system, we are creating an infrastructure layer that can improve safety and convenience while enabling entirely new service and data models.”

About the trial

• Period: Approximately one month from September 2026, including evaluation of the results

• Location: Participating outdoor parking facility in Yoshizuka, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Japan

• Technology: UrbanChain parking operating system and NEC AI-powered occupant-exit detection

• Principal areas of evaluation: Safety, system connectivity, occupant counting and new parking-charging models

About UrbanChain

UrbanChain develops technology for digitizing parking, mobility and property operations. Its platform connects vehicle recognition, automated payment, access management, reservations, analytics and customer-facing digital services through a unified operating environment.

UrbanChain works with parking operators, property owners and mobility partners to modernize existing infrastructure, automate operational processes and create more connected experiences across physical destinations.

For further information, visit www.urbanchain.world.

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement, “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world.

For further information, visit NEC.

Media contact

info@urbanchain.world