Ford wants to build smarter cameras with Intel’s Mobileye

Ford has tapped Mobileye, Intel’s auto tech subsidiary, to help build its next-generation driver-assistance systems destined for the American car brand’s global product lineup.

Israel-based Mobileye is the company behind the ‘EyeQ’ camera-based detection technologies that support Level 1 and Level 2 driver-assistance systems.

Ford plans to incorporate EyeQ into its Ford Co-Pilot360 system and use it to power functions such as forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian/cyclist detection, among others.

Eventually, Mobileye will form the basis for the technology behind the Ford Active Drive Assist, which the Blue Oval plans to launch in 2021.

“By customizing Mobileye’s excellent software and sensing technology, Ford’s great driver-assist features will continue to evolve and provide customers with confidence on the road throughout the life of their vehicles,” said Lisa Drake, chief operating officer of Ford North America and vice president of Global Purchasing.

To elaborate, Level 1 systems are automate a single part of the driving experience, such as steering or acceleration/deceleration. Meanwhile, Level 2 systems provide both steering and acceleration/braking support.

Both companies did not disclose any financial details of the collaboration, but part of the deal will see Mobileye’s name displayed on the Ford SYNC infotainment screen.

“It is a privilege to extend and expand our long-standing collaboration with a company that is so committed to safety on behalf of its global customer base,” said Professor Amnon Shashua, president and CEO, Mobileye. “We look forward to working closely together to bring these functionalities to market in the full Ford product lineup.”

Ford and Mobileye have partnered in the past, that’s why the Blue Oval is considering this recently inked partnership an “expansion” rather than a new deal per se.

Despite the previous partnership, this will be the first time Ford is committing to the Mobileye for the entire lifecycle of its next-generation vehicles.

Mobileye is expected to feature prominently in Ford’s upcoming offerings such as the F-150 pickup, Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, and new sub-brand Bronco.

Intel became the owner of Mobileye when it purchased the company for USD15.3 billion (approx. PHP755 billion) in 2017.

Photo/s from Ford

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