Ford to show off next-gen hybrid self-driving development vehicle
Staff
Automation Automotive autonomous cars FordThe new vehicle uses the current Ford autonomous vehicle platform, but ups the processing power with new computer hardware.
Ford will be bringing its latest development vehicle to CES and the North American International Auto Show in January.
The automaker announced the next-generation Fusion Hybrid autonomous development vehicle in a push to create a self-driving vehicle fleet for ride sharing by 2021.
The new vehicle uses the current Ford autonomous vehicle platform, but ups the processing power with new computer hardware. According to the automaker, electrical controls are closer to production-ready, and adjustments to the sensor technology, including placement, allow the car to better see what’s around it.
New LiDAR sensors have a sleeker design and more targeted field of vision, enabling the car to now use just two sensors rather than four, while still getting just as much data.
Ford explains that the next-gen Fusion Hybrid development vehicle pushes the two main elements involved in designing an autonomous vehicle even further than previously expected. The autonomous vehicle platform, which is an upgraded version of the car itself, and the virtual driver system have been modified to meet market demands.
The next-gen Fusion Hybrid autonomous development vehicle follows the company’s current generation, which hit the streets three years ago.
