Ford Aims to Prevent Accidents With New Smartphone Technology

Ford is aiming to help prevent accidents by creating a new smartphone app. The Blue Oval will collaborate with Commsignia, T-Mobile, Tome Software, and others like Ohio State University. Together, these institutions and companies will work toward a smartphone-based communication system that will warn drivers of pedestrians and cyclists even if they’re not visible. As of late, Ford has been focused on its all-new EVs like the F-150 Lightning, Mach-E, and Maverick Lightning. If successful, this new technology will help the automaker further improve the safety offered by its lineup. We’ll take a look at the technology and see how Ford aims to implement it.

Ford Aims to Prevent Accidents With New Smartphone Technology

Ford will work with Commsignia, T-Mobile, Tome Software, and others like Ohio State to create a communication system that will alert drivers of hidden pedestrians and cyclists. The system will be a smartphone-based app using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Using BLE, the app will communicate with nearby smartphones and devices to determine their location. If the app determines a crash may occur, drivers will receive an alert through Ford SYNC. Visual and audio alerts will appear on their in-vehicle touchscreen, warning them to be careful of nearby pedestrians or cyclists. About the new technology, Ford’s Executive Director of Research Jim Buczkowski said,

“Newer Ford vehicles already with Ford Co-Pilot360 Technology can detect and help warn drivers of pedestrians, bicyclists, scooter riders and others – and even apply brakes if drivers do not respond in time,” said Jim Buczkowski. “We are now exploring ways to expand vehicle sensing capability, for areas drivers cannot see, to help people drive even more confidently on roads increasingly shared by others using their two feet or two wheels.”

Ford is aiming to implement this new smartphone-based technology into its new lineup. By using BLE, Ford’s vehicles can pick up anyone nearby with a smartphone or similar devices. BLE uses radio waves rather than cameras, so the technology will act as a beacon that senses other devices within range. Those worrying about privacy will be happy to note that the technology will not pair with devices or phones. It will only pick up their signal. The technology will also be able to differentiate between pedestrians and cyclists based on their traveling speed. Drivers will be alerted of pedestrians or cyclists even if they cannot see them. If successful, this smartphone app will increase vehicle safety and hopefully prevent many more accidents.

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Photo Credit: Ford