Driving can be a fun and relaxing experience. Cruising down the road with nothing but you and your destination in mind can be a serious stress-reliever. But parking? Not so much.
Ford Motor Company has recently partnered with global tech supplier Bosch, as well as Detroit-based real estate firm Bedrock, in order to launch a new project that will test Ford Escape vehicles as they attempt to drive and park themselves for the first time ever.
The partnership will allow the latest Ford Escape model to park itself inside Bedrock’s Assembly Garage in Detroit using Bosch smart infrastructure. This marks the first time an infrastructure-based automated valet parking test has been made possible in the U.S.
Ford’s upcoming research will take place in Corktown, a neighborhood that currently serves as the site of the company’s new mobility innovation district.
The district, which is anchored by Michigan Central Station, will invite investors and mobility innovators from around the world to develop, test, and launch new solutions that aim to solve urban transportation challenges as the automotive industry barrels toward the future.
“We are continually searching for opportunities to expand our leading suite of Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technologies that help people drive more confidently and we believe automated valet parking technology holds great promise,” said Ken Washington, chief technology officer at Ford Motor Company.
“Our work with Bosch and Bedrock also aligns with our vision for the future, which includes increasingly automated vehicles that are more aware of their surroundings while requiring less on-board computing to help improve design, packaging and affordability,” Washington added.
Ford’s test vehicles will operate alongside Bosch’s intelligent parking infrastructure technology. This technology will rely on specialized sensors that can recognize hazards such as pedestrians, other vehicles, and more.
Upon entering Bedrock’s garage, a driver will leave the Escape in a designated area and use a smartphone app to send the vehicle into an automated parking maneuver. Drivers can also use the app to recall the vehicle to the pick-up area, removing the responsibility of finding his or her vehicle in a crowded parking garage.
“For Bosch, automated valet parking brings together our deep cross-domain experience in mobility and building technologies to deliver a smart infrastructure solution that improves everyday life,” said Mike Mansuetti, president of Bosch in North America. “This technology enables consumers to see the benefit of highly automated technology as the vehicle handles a task such as parking in a garage.”
If the tests go well, Ford’s advanced automated driving technology possibilities are virtually limitless.
Since the company’s inception, Ford has never stopped innovating. In fact, even the awesome new Ford vehicles that are currently available at Brian Hoskins Ford are packed to the brim with impressive driver-assist features.
Feel free to browse our inventory of awesome new Ford vehicles online right here, then stop into our Coatesville, PA dealership today for a test drive! Remember, Nobody Beats Brian!