Written by

Bernard Marr

Bernard Marr is a world-renowned futurist, influencer and thought leader in the fields of business and technology, with a passion for using technology for the good of humanity. He is a best-selling author of over 20 books, writes a regular column for Forbes and advises and coaches many of the world’s best-known organisations. He has a combined following of 4 million people across his social media channels and newsletters and was ranked by LinkedIn as one of the top 5 business influencers in the world.

Bernard’s latest books are ‘Future Skills’, ‘The Future Internet’, ‘Business Trends in Practice’ and ‘Generative AI in Practice’.

Generative AI Book Launch
View My Latest Books

Follow Me

Bernard Marr ist ein weltbekannter Futurist, Influencer und Vordenker in den Bereichen Wirtschaft und Technologie mit einer Leidenschaft für den Einsatz von Technologie zum Wohle der Menschheit. Er ist Bestsellerautor von 20 Büchern, schreibt eine regelmäßige Kolumne für Forbes und berät und coacht viele der weltweit bekanntesten Organisationen. Er hat über 2 Millionen Social-Media-Follower, 1 Million Newsletter-Abonnenten und wurde von LinkedIn als einer der Top-5-Business-Influencer der Welt und von Xing als Top Mind 2021 ausgezeichnet.

Bernards neueste Bücher sind ‘Künstliche Intelligenz im Unternehmen: Innovative Anwendungen in 50 Erfolgreichen Unternehmen’

View Latest Book

Follow Me

The Amazing Ways The Ford Motor Company Uses Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning

2 July 2021

Ford Motor Company, along with General Motors, Toyota and Volkswagen, may have started out as automotive manufacturers, but they now refer to themselves as “mobility service” companies. Ford believes “freedom of movement drives human progress.” While it is now a global company, Ford started out more than 100 years ago in Dearborn, Michigan. The company revolutionized manufacturing by introducing the moving assembly line and made car ownership possible for everyday folks and not just the wealthy. Today, the company focuses on technology first and uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in many ways from connected car solutions to the development of autonomous vehicles.



AI in the Manufacturing Process & Operations

The Ford research lab has conducted research on computational intelligence for more than 20 years. About 15 years ago the company introduced an innovative misfire detection system—one of the first large-scale industrial applications of neural networks. Ford uses artificial intelligence to automate quality assurance as well; AI can detect wrinkles in car seats. In addition, neural networks help support Ford’s supply chain through inventory and resource management.

Ford also uses AI technology to understand the inventory data for used cars with an artificial intelligence platform called CarStory. Now dealerships can learn details about the condition of vehicles, owner history and see how pricing is in the marketplace. The reports from CarStory use analytics to determine what makes each previously owned car unique.

Smart Technology for Cars on the Road

The 2019 Ford Edge model will have artificial intelligence as part of its all-wheel-drive system. By using dozens of high-tech sensors, the system can determine quicker than a human brain if all-wheel drive is needed. It’s able to shift between two- and four-wheel drive automatically. Machine learning techniques added to vehicles help provide the new features, personalization and product improvement consumers desire. Many of the AI applications interact directly with the drivers to monitor acceleration or braking, help improve fuel efficiency and the driver’s preferences for seat position, climate control, and infotainment.

In China, Ford launched SYNC infotainment system that relies on Baidu’s artificial intelligence. Ford is working very closely with Baidu to give Chinese consumers (the largest emerging auto market) what they demand in connectivity. It features an intelligent voice assistant, access to video streaming, easier info exchange between the in-vehicle system and FordPass as well as the ability to pay for services. All of Ford’s products in China will be connected by the end of 2019.

Ford Motorsports Moves to Pole Position Thanks to AI

Another way Ford takes advantage of artificial intelligence is on the racecourse. Ford Motorsports uses simulation technology (NVIDIA DGX-1 artificial intelligence supercomputer) to understand the performance of a race car before it ever hits the track. The insights inform the race strategy and have produced incredible results—given Ford 300x performance improvements.

Investments in AI

With an investment of more than $1 billion in Argo AI, Ford has backed up its commitment to technology with funding. Although Argo AI is an independent company and its innovations will help other car manufacturers as well, Ford uses Argo AI technology in its vehicles. In addition, the partnership is exploring how driverless cars and trucks could transform the transportation and delivery industries. Currently, Walmart uses Argo AI-powered Ford vans for some home deliveries. Argo AI was founded in 2016, but thanks to Ford’s investment the company has been able to quickly develop its self-driving car technology. Argo’s systems use technologies such as lane-keeping systems and adaptive cruise control as well as a variety of sensors including LIDAR, radar, infrared to improve the way the self-driving vehicles “see” the world around them and respond to the environment.

Ford has also invested in several centers of excellence to focus on machine learning and AI. These centers are where engineers determine the AI tools and methodology that should be dispersed throughout the company and to further advance AI applications. The company also has partnerships with several high-tech companies and start-ups around the world plus a Research & Innovation Center in Palo Alto.

Autonomous Vehicles

Ford expects to launch its self-driving car fleet in 2021, but they will be “geo-fenced,” Ford CEO Jim Hackett confirmed. Currently, the company is testing its autonomous vehicles on the streets of Detroit, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

With all of this technological development coming from car manufacturers, CES, one of the world’s biggest tech shows, has become one of the biggest auto shows. The pace of AI innovation is brisk. Companies such as Ford that are proactive with investments, research, and product development will be the ones that enable their continued success.


Business Trends In Practice | Bernard Marr
Business Trends In Practice | Bernard Marr

Related Articles

How Generative AI Will Enhance The Supply Chain

Savvy business leaders are already beginning to identify use cases for generative AI in their organizations.[...]

6 Ways Generative AI Will Transform Healthcare

Generative AI is ushering in a transformative era in healthcare, with far-reaching implications for patient care, diagnostics, and more.[...]

Did OpenAI Sora Just Kickstart The Era Of Generative Video?

Just a few weeks back, I wrote that we are probably still some way from being able to create a movie from a natural language prompt.[...]

The Biggest AI Trends In The Next 10 Years

Although I like to write about future predictions for the world of technology and business, I’m usually focused on what’s coming up in the next five years.[...]

The Role Of Generative AI In HR

Generative AI is one of the most transformative technologies that humans have ever had access to.[...]

The Amazing Ways Walmart Is Using Generative AI

Walmart is no stranger to adopting new technologies and embracing transformation.[...]

Sign up to Stay in Touch!

Bernard Marr is a world-renowned futurist, influencer and thought leader in the fields of business and technology, with a passion for using technology for the good of humanity.

He is a best-selling author of over 20 books, writes a regular column for Forbes and advises and coaches many of the world’s best-known organisations.

He has a combined following of 4 million people across his social media channels and newsletters and was ranked by LinkedIn as one of the top 5 business influencers in the world.

Bernard’s latest book is ‘Generative AI in Practice’.

Sign Up Today

Social Media

0
Followers
0
Followers
0
Followers
0
Subscribers
0
Followers
0
Subscribers
0
Yearly Views
0
Readers

Podcasts

View Podcasts