Ford Opens High Tech Lab in Silicon Valley

FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
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has opened a new high tech lab in Silicon Valley in Palo Alto, California. 

“We have been innovating for more than a century at Ford, but we acknowledge we don’t have a monopoly on creativity. Our new office will complement our existing research efforts by allowing us to tap into the region that has been driving consumer technology forward in recent decades," said Ford executive chairman Bill Ford. 

The Ford Silicon Valley Lab will operate as an independent lab focusing on big data, open-source innovation and user experience. It will also foster relationships with Silicon Valley companies.

Big data is a buzzword for organizing massive data sets from a variety of sources. Ford is studying it to learn how to collate all of its customer and vehicle data to create a better user experience. 

Ford is also studying an open-source automotive application called OpenXC. It is hardware and software that plugs into your car that allows the user to install applications. It will allow a car and an Android smartphone to interact. Users could view vehicle data on their phone and install apps from the phone onto their car to modify it.

Finally, Ford will use the Silicon Valley Lab to develop new user experiences for its cars. 

“We are looking for unexpected solutions for the future, and we believe Silicon Valley is the right place to round out our global research organization. We view technology as more than just an impressive list of microprocessors, sensors and software,” he added. “It is the enabler of a safe, intuitive and enjoyable time behind the wheel," said Ford.