Ford has been hard at work developing autonomous vehicles. While it isn’t quite there yet, the company has already begun with such driver aids as Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, park assist systems, and the like. All these are meant to provide a safer time behind the wheel and relieve driver stress in various driving situations.
Of course, the ultimate goal is to have a fully self-driving vehicle real soon. To achieve this, Ford Motor Company has invested a substantial $1 billion in technology startup Argo Artificial Intelligence (AI). Founded by former Google and Uber leaders Bryan Salesky (CEO) and Peter Rander (COO), Argo AI takes pride in being a forerunner in the field of robotics.
With Ford’s expertise in the area of manufacturing, the two companies hope to come up with mass-produced self-driving vehicles by the year 2021. Ford, for its part, is likewise working hard to develop virtual driving technologies. The inputs of AI’s expertise are meant to make these vehicles smarter, or at least as quick-witted as most humans (the more sensible ones, that is).
Apart from Ford and Argo AI, Ford’s Smart Mobility LLC will also be part of the venture. It will help with the marketing of such autonomous vehicles, helping people choose which one is the right self-driver for their needs. This can be anything from ride-sharing, package delivery, or the like. In the end, all this is aimed at providing a vehicle for everyone.
Yes, Ford vehicles might just be smarter than the average human pretty soon. Let’s just hope they’ll be more courteous, too.
