Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble has some Ford-tastic news! Autonomous cars may be closer to consumer use than we initially anticipated, thanks to the Argo AI and Ford collaboration. The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the third-generation test vehicle for the self-driving vehicles project.
Advanced Tech
This third-generation Ford Fusion Hybrid has been redeveloped to be equipped with advanced technology. Argo AI and Ford have modified the third-generation test vehicles with a significantly upgraded sensor suite that includes new sets of radars and cameras with higher resolution and higher dynamic range. As a result of this higher resolution and the upgraded software, the Fusion Hybrid test vehicle is better at detecting what’s ahead at greater distances than before and classifying it.
Another new upgrade on the third-generation test vehicles is the brand-new computing system. This system offers far more processing power than the previous generations. The computing system has improved thermal management systems that produce less heat and noise for riders in the vehicle. Thus, a smarter, quieter vehicle has been born.
Quite possibly the most important feature, Argo AI has equipped the Fusion Hybrid test vehicles with redundant braking and steering systems that aid in maintaining vehicle control in case of emergency. These systems serve as precautionary measures in the event that the units function fail to ensure they may safely brake or pull over as necessary.
Test Cities
Argo AI and Ford have been testing this Fusion Hybrid in major cities Argo AI is operating in such as Miami, Palo Alto, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh and Detroit. Testing in Detroit provides an advantage to Argo AI and Ford as Ford has engineering operations in Detroit and the city serves as the base for Ford’s self-driving efforts. Additionally, Detroit roads are not uniform with defining aspects such as the roads in Washington D.C. or Pittsburgh. Detroit’s roads may have roundabouts, multi-point intersections, unmarked roads and more. These factors challenge the test vehicles and force them to reason through navigating these obstacles while also predicting the moves of other drivers.
We at Randall Reed’s Planet Ford in Humble (serving greater Houston, Conroe, Tomball, Kingwood, Atascocita) are excited to see where the future of our vehicles is going. We are happy that Ford can be an integral part of paving the road for autonomous cars. Stay up to date on Ford news with us by following our social media.