Ford begins testing its autonomous vehicles in California

The various brands are preparing their autonomous driving models so they can launch these systems to the market as soon as possible. The arrival of this type of vehicle will probably be gradual, without rush and with all due caution. It is a technology that, although it works very well on closed circuits or controlled routes, still requires a great deal of human attention and will therefore have to go through many tests and adjustments before becoming a reality.

Ford has also joined the brands that already have operational autonomous models and will be the next to begin using them on the roads of the state of California. The California Autonomous Vehicle Testing Program allows them to begin testing their models on public roads, and this is something Ford will start doing starting this month.

Specifically, the models equipped with this technology will be the Ford Fusion Hybrid. These tests are part of the Ford Smart Mobility plan, which seeks to give its future customers the chance to have one of these cars in their garage once they become a reality. But yes, first these systems must undergo all the relevant tests to ensure they are fully operational.

Ford’s autonomous-driving hybrid cars have previously been tested at the brand’s facilities in Palo Alto

Among the experiments being carried out in the brand’s technology division, which, as might be expected, is located in Palo Alto, are virtual interaction between pedestrians and autonomous vehicles. In this way, they recreate conditions that can occur in the real world and can adjust the vehicle’s behavior on the street. They also work to improve the sensors equipped on the vehicle to make them more efficient.

The commitment of Ford has led this department to grow from 15 people to 100 professionals, about 80 of whom come from the technology sector and the rest from Ford plants around the world, to apply the knowledge of both segments of the industry to advance in the world of autonomous driving. And also in other areas, since there are more projects underway in this department.

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Source | Ford