Ford Motor Company, ones of America's oldest companies, uses artificial intelligence and machine learning in many ways from the supply chain to production to used car sales to self-driving vehicles. The company prioritizes technology, and this focus is one reason it's leading the path to the future.

1. The Amazing Ways
The Ford Motor Company
Uses AI And
Machine Learning

2. © 2018 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
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IntroductionIntroduction
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.
The Amazing Ways The Ford Motor Company
Uses AI And Machine Learning

3. © 2018 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
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.
AI in the Manufacturing Process & Operations

4. © 2018 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
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.
Smart Technology for Cars on the Road

5. © 2018 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
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.
Ford Motorsports Moves to Pole Position Thanks
to AI

6. © 2018 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
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.
Investments in AI

7. © 2018 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
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.
Autonomous Vehicles

8. © 2017 Bernard Marr , Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
© 2018 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
Bernard Marr is an internationally best-selling author, popular keynote speaker, futurist, and a
strategic business & technology advisor to governments and companies. He helps
organisations improve their business performance, use data more intelligently, and
understand the implications of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data,
blockchains, and the Internet of Things.
LinkedIn has ranked Bernard as one of the world’s top 5 business influencers. He is a frequent
contributor to the World Economic Forum and writes a regular column for Forbes. Every day
Bernard actively engages his 1.5 million social media followers and shares content that
reaches millions of readers.
Visit The
Website
© 2017 Bernard Marr , Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
© 2018 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
Bernard Marr is an internationally best-selling author, popular keynote speaker, futurist, and a
strategic business & technology advisor to governments and companies. He helps
organisations improve their business performance, use data more intelligently, and
understand the implications of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data,
blockchains, and the Internet of Things.
LinkedIn has ranked Bernard as one of the world’s top 5 business influencers. He is a frequent
contributor to the World Economic Forum and writes a regular column for Forbes. Every day
Bernard actively engages his 1.5 million social media followers and shares content that
reaches millions of readers.
Visit The
Website

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