Ford Establishes Latitude AI to Develop Future Automated Driving Technology
March 02 2023 - 12:00PM
Business Wire
- Latitude AI – a Ford subsidiary – is developing new automated
driving technology with an initial focus on a hands-free, eyes-off
driver assist system for next-generation Ford vehicles
- Latitude AI’s 550-person team brings expertise in machine
learning, robotics, software, sensors, systems engineering and test
operations
- Ford continues to expand its portfolio of automated driving
technology to transform the driving experience for millions of
customers
Ford Motor Company has established Latitude AI, a wholly owned
subsidiary focused on developing a hands-free, eyes-off-the-road
automated driving system for millions of vehicles.
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Ford Motor Company has established
Latitude AI, a wholly owned subsidiary focused on developing a
hands-free, eyes-off-the-road automated driving system for millions
of vehicles. (Photo: Business Wire)
With the formation of Latitude, Ford adds a leading team of
machine learning, robotics, software, sensors, systems engineering
and operations talent as the automaker grows and expands its
development efforts in automated driving technology – including
advancements in Ford BlueCruise, which already has accumulated more
than 50 million miles of hands-free driving.
Latitude is reimagining the customer experience by automating
driving during times that can be tedious, stressful and unpleasant,
such as bumper-to-bumper traffic or on long stretches of highway.
The average driver in the U.S. spends nearly 100 hours a year
sitting in traffic according to the transportation analytics firm
INRIX.
“We see automated driving technology as an opportunity to
redefine the relationship between people and their vehicles,” said
Doug Field, chief advanced product development and technology
officer, Ford Motor Company. “Customers using BlueCruise are
already experiencing the benefits of hands-off driving. The deep
experience and talent in our Latitude team will help us accelerate
the development of all-new automated driving technology – with the
goal of not only making travel safer, less stressful and more
enjoyable, but ultimately over time giving our customers some of
their day back."
Establishing Latitude supports Ford’s strategic shift last year
to focus on automated driving technologies for personally owned
vehicles. Ford hired about 550 employees formerly of Argo AI across
machine learning and robotics, cloud platforms, mapping, sensors
and compute systems, test operations, systems and safety
engineering. The Latitude team has applied much of their experience
in automated driving, including software development tools and
infrastructure, in the pivot to work on advanced driver assist
systems (ADAS).
Sammy Omari, executive director, ADAS Technologies at Ford, also
will serve as the CEO of Latitude. Peter Carr is appointed chief
technology officer, overseeing Latitude’s product and technical
development, and David Gollob is named president, with
responsibility for business operations.
“We believe automated driving technology will help improve
safety while unlocking all-new customer experiences that reduce
stress and in the future will help free up a driver’s time to focus
on what they choose," said Omari. “The expertise of the Latitude
team will further complement and enhance Ford’s in-house global
ADAS team in developing future driver assist technologies,
ultimately delivering on the many benefits of automation.”
Latitude is headquartered in Pittsburgh with additional
engineering hubs in Dearborn, Mich. and Palo Alto, Calif. The
company also will operate a highway-speed test track facility in
Greenville, S.C.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in
Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better
world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.
The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines
existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships
with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of
those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have
Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and
Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services.
Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility
solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides
financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs
about 176,000 people worldwide. More information about the company,
its products and Ford Credit is available at
corporate.ford.com.
About Latitude AI
Latitude AI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company
that develops automated driving technologies. The company was
founded in 2022 to reimagine what it’s like to drive, giving
drivers time back on their journeys and transforming the driving
experience to be safer, less stressful, and more enjoyable for
everyone. Headquartered in Pittsburgh with engineering centers in
Dearborn, Mich., and Palo Alto, Calif. Latitude employs about 550
people.
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Alan Hall ahall32@ford.com 734-845-4410 Catherine Johnsmeyer
cjohnsmeyer@lat.ai 914-980-1852
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