Just imagine the new technologies you could see in cars within the next few years. The auto industry has already accomplished incredible feats when it comes to advancements in infotainment and smartphone integration. Now Ford aims to continue its leading edge in technology with a new Research and Innovation Center Palo Alto, which recently opened up in Stanford Research Park. Unsurprisingly, some of the things they’re doing at the lab are pretty wild!
The new research center is led by former Apple pro Dragos Maciuca, who has worked for the auto industry before and has tons of experience with consumer-interfacing electronics. Maciuca is leading the team in Silicon Valley and their primary areas of responsibility include: connectivity, mobility and autonomous car technology. Check out two of the projects they’re working on now - we’re sure you’ll be impressed!
Nest Home Alarm & Thermostat Connectivity
Ford is integrating with Nest, the company responsible for Nest Protect (a home alarm system) and the Nest Thermostat (an energy-saving programmable home thermostat), to enable its cars to control these systems remotely. For example, one day in the not-so-distant future when you’re out and about and suddenly remember you forgot to activate the alarm, or want to get the house cooled off before you return home, you could control these functions remotely from your car.
Vehicle Positioning from Remote Locations
Ford’s Silicon Valley research group is also looking into remote vehicle access. Like an ultra-futuristic, grownup version of toy RCs, Ford’s research team has developed technology that allows them to remotely control golf carts that are thousands of miles away. Using a 4G LTE connection that supports a high-quality, real-time video feed, they can sit in their Palo Alto office and “drive” golf carts at a college campus in Georgia!
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