Ford to Unveil AI Voice Assistant and Level 3 Autonomous Driving Capabilities

Ford's strides in artificial intelligence include an upcoming voice assistant, set to arrive later this year, and plans for a Level 3 autonomous driving system by 2028. Ford executives revealed these innovations during the CES event, highlighting a push towards more cost-effective and autonomously capable vehicles.

In-House Development for Cost Efficiency

Emphasizing cost reduction and enhanced control, Ford is developing a substantial portion of its core technology internally. The company aims to streamline electronic systems and computing modules, making them smaller and more efficient than current models. This contrasts with some automakers who design their own silicon or large-language models, which Ford is not pursuing.

Advancing EVs with Affordable AI Integration

Doug Field, Ford's chief officer overseeing electric vehicles and software, discussed in a blog post how developing software and hardware internally can make sophisticated technology like hands-free driving accessible to everyday car buyers, moving beyond high-priced vehicles.

Shifting AI Strategies with Market Trends

Ford's AI strategy is evolving in response to market forces. Following the suspension of the F-150 Lightning due to flagging EV sales, the company intends to produce more hybrid models and energy storage solutions to align with emerging demands, such as from AI data centers. The company is also adapting its autonomous driving focus, prioritizing Level 2 and Level 3 systems over fully independent Level 4 vehicles.

Introduction of AI Voice Assistant: A Practical Edge

Set to debut on Ford and Lincoln mobile applications by 2026, the AI assistant will expand to in-car integration by 2027. Utilizing specific vehicle data, such as truck bed size, the assistant can offer more precise responses to user queries, exemplifying Ford's practical approach over generic solutions like those from major tech companies.

Analyzing Autonomous Features and Industry Position

Ford is preparing its Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, focusing on autonomous features like the BlueCruise system. Beyond its current highway capabilities, future updates aim for a comprehensive hands-free driving experience, capable of navigating through intersections and obeying traffic signals. The eventual Level 3 system will require drivers to be ready to take control but will support limited hands-off driving.

Rethinking Computing Architecture

A 'radical rethink' of computing architectures is underway, with aims for a unified control system handling everything from entertainment to driving assistance. This approach is backed by expertise from the team originally assembled for Level 4 robotaxi development, now tasked with next-gen electronics innovation.

Balancing Performance and Cost

Unlike some of its competitors, Ford is not focusing solely on raw processing power for its development. Instead, the company targets a balanced approach that considers performance, cost, and physical footprint, resulting in a computing solution that's not only more powerful and cost-effective but also significantly smaller than current models.