Skip to main content

Ford wades into autonomous vehicle testing with Fusion mules

Autonomous Fusion
Autonomous Ford Fusion Test Mule Image used with permission by copyright holder
Ford is the latest automaker to dive into autonomous vehicle research as its Fusion test mules take to California streets loaded with radar-guided systems.

With approval to join the CA Autonomous Vehicle Tester Program, Ford’s Palo Alto Research and Innovation Center will serve as the hub for experiments commencing in 2016. A team of more than 100 researchers, engineers, and scientists (80 percent Ford staff, 20 percent technology sector recruits) will shuttle out self-driving Fusions to sit at stoplights with autonomous vehicles from Google.

Before the rubber meets the road, Ford has conducted numerous “virtual” test drives with its self-driving technology to study the interaction between the autonomous cars and pedestrians. By doing so, the actual cars will have learned how to avoid dangerous situations during a variety of “unexpected” circumstances.

In addition to tests out of its Palo Alto center, Ford is testing its Fusion Hybrid Autonomous Research Vehicle at the University of Michigan’s Mcity — a 32-acre site equipped with a simulated urban environment. Multi-lane roads, roundabouts and several different road surfaces are available to prepare the self-driving cars for active duty.

Of course the question is now raised how Ford and other autonomous vehicle testers will adapt to California’s proposed legislation that would ban driverless cars from its roadways. The present, comparatively lax rules, would be updated to mandate a steering wheel and pedals for any autonomous vehicle on California roads in addition to requiring a human behind the wheel with an “autonomous vehicle operator certificate” in case of a mechanical malfunction.

More than just a restriction on tests, the rules would mean autonomous taxis and commercially available driverless cars would be out of the question in California.

Google has been quick to criticism the proposed legislation. Google Director Chris Urmson went on record as stating, “”[The proposed rule] maintains the same old status quo and falls short on allowing this technology to reach its full potential, while excluding those who need to get around but cannot drive.”

Editors' Recommendations

Miles Branman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…
Robotaxis have a passenger problem that no one thought of
gm cruise to test fully driverless cars in san francisco

An issue with self-driving cars that apparently no one previously considered has come to light: dozing passengers.

Officials in San Francisco, where Alphabet’s Waymo company and GM-backed Cruise are currently operating robotaxi services as part of ongoing trials, highlighted the problem in a recent letter to the regulator, Wired reported.

Read more
Apple’s rumored car could cost the same as a Tesla Model S
Apple Car rendering from Vanarama.

Rumors have been swirling around for years regarding Apple’s plans for an electric, self-driving car.

The latest report, which arrived on Tuesday via a usually reliable source, suggests Apple has scaled back its plan for an autonomous car, with some elements yet to be agreed upon.

Read more
Ford and VW close down Argo AI autonomous car unit
An Argo AI autonomous car on the road.

Autonomous-car specialist Argo AI is closing down after Ford and Volkswagen, Argo's main backers, ended support for the Pittsburgh-based company.

First reported by TechCrunch and later confirmed by the two auto giants, some of the 2,000 workers at Argo will transfer to Ford and Volkswagen, while others without an offer will receive a severance package. Argo’s technology is also set to end up in the possession of the two companies, though at this stage it’s not clear how it might be shared.

Read more