Ford will implement 25 mobility related experiments in different parts of the world. In India, the company will develop a Share-car model in banglore, which will allow several groups to share transportation. Researchers plan on developing a model for vehicle scheduling and managing ownership as well. “We see a world where vehicles talk to one another, drivers and vehicles communicate with the city infrastructure to relieve congestion, and people routinely share vehicles or multiple forms of transportation for their daily commute. The experiments we’re undertaking today will lead to an all-new model of transportation and mobility within the next 10 years and beyond.”, Said Ford President and CEO Mark Fields. Out of these 25 experiments, eight will be practiced in North America, nine in Europe and Africa, seven in Asia and one in South America. All experiments aim to address 4 global trends – · Explosive population growth · Expanding middle class · Air quality and public health concerns · Changing customer attitudes and priorities With the Innovate Mobility Challenge Series, Ford invited innovators and developers around the world to brainstorm and find valid solution to mobility related issues worldwide. On the technology front, Ford is working on fully autonomous vehicles. The company is already testing fully autonomous Ford Fusion Hybrid research vehicle which adds four LiDAR sensors to generate a real-time 3D map of the surrounding environment. The company already has semi autonomous vehicles which can apply breaks in emergency conditions, use software and sensors to steer in narrow parking space and adjust speed based on traffic. Fourteen of the 25 experiments are Ford-led research projects, and 11 are part of the company’s Innovate Mobility Challenge Series. The experiments include:
Fleet Insights: United StatesBig Data Drive: Dearborn, MichiganData Driven Insurance: LondonRemote Repositioning: AtlantaCity Driving On-Demand: LondonDynamic Social Shuttle: New York, LondonCar Swap: Dearborn, MichiganFord Carsharing: GermanyShare-Car: Bangalore, IndiaRapid Recharge & Share: Dearborn, MichiganData Driven Healthcare: The Gambia, West AfricaParking Spotter: AtlantaInfo Cycle: Palo Alto, CaliforniaPainless Parking: London
