Ford, phones, fitness bands and the future
WITH wearable fitness trackers such as Fitbit and Jawbone devices, as well as cellphone-linked smart watches becoming increasingly popular, Ford is looking at ways to tether the live data produced with cars to make driving safer and easier.
The American carmaker has started a new wearables research laboratory at its home in Michigan, where engineers are working to pair fitness band and watch technology with cars’ onboard computers, so that vehicles can detect a driver’s wakefulness and adjust systems accordingly.
Biometric data such as heart rate and recorded levels of sleep the night before can then determine safe following distances and make blind-spot detection systems more sensitive if the car feels a driver is distracted or inattentive. Fitness bands with vibration and chime features could also be used to alert drivers of approaching dangers, or to take control back from the vehicle if certain semi-autonomous features are active.
“As more consumers embrace smart watches, glasses and fitness bands, we hope to develop future applications that work with those devices to enhance in-car functionality and driver awareness,” said Ford’s Gary Strumolo. “Wearable technology integrated with the vehicle allows for more accurate bio- metric data to stream continuously and alert active driver-assist systems to become more sensitive if the driver shows signs of compromised health or awareness.”
Smart watches paired with Ford’s cellphone apps could also hear voice control functions to remotely start, unlock or locate vehicles.
“The potential in this space is endless,” said Strumolo. “We’re evaluating many different wearable devices and applications – everything from helping to keep Ford drivers healthier and more aware behind the wheel to offering an enhanced customer experience at our dealerships.”
Another project lab workers are experimenting with is the use of augmented reality optics, or smart glasses to make dealership visits a more interactive experience. Special glasses could guide customers through a showroom and display additional information about a car, and even offer virtual test drives.