Ford Integrates AI Technology into the Trailer-Hitching Experience
Photo Source: Ford
There is a very good chance readers have heard the term “AI” here and there in recent months. The technology is being utilized to create realistic artwork and images from thin air. Now, in 2023, Ford is depending upon artificial intelligence, including machine learning and computer vision, to make it simpler than ever to hitch a trailer. This industry-first technology automatically controls the truck’s steering, speed, and braking to confirm the trailer hitch ball is accurately underneath the trailer coupler.
How the Technology Helps
With Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, the Blue Oval’s goal is to make hitching a truck and trailer as easy as pushing a button. Specifically, by relying on the automobile’s corner radars and rear camera, the technology can align the hitch with the trailer coupler. To use it precisely, drivers just push and hold a button while keeping an eye on the progress on the center screen display. From this point forward, advanced machine learning technology does most of the hard work, detecting the hitch ball, trailer, and coupler at distances up to approximately 20 feet.
The system will recognize the best path to back the truck up to the trailer, using computer vision to meticulously locate both the hitch ball and trailer. Once it ensures the coupler is positioned higher than the hitch ball, the truck will steer itself so that the hitch ball is positioned directly underneath the trailer’s coupler.
The Path to Progress
In order to develop Pro Trailer Hitch Assist’s machine learning algorithms, the automaker collected a large volume of data so the machine learning algorithm can correctly discern a vast group of different trailers of varying types and sizes. In fact, the level of sophistication of the machine is so highly advanced that it even takes into account weather conditions and different terrain.
For numerous people, artificial intelligence is becoming the new norm, but it has yet to replace people because it is imperfect. As a matter of fact, artificial intelligence acts as a very good personal assistant that sometimes makes mistakes. After all, people have witnessed this with AI chatbots that confidently provide incorrect information and autonomous vehicles that have crashed. For this reason, some individuals are reluctant to place their trust in AI assistants such as Pro Trailer Hitch Assist.
Nonetheless, that is when another aspect connected to the system comes into play. For example, if an obstacle is noticed while trying to hitch the trailer, the system’s ultrasonic reverse parking aid system will notify the driver. The system functions by emitting ultrasonic waves to determine that an impediment is in the way. In other words, the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist provides a consumer with extra perception that would otherwise not be possible.
A Closer Look at the Future
Created in-house by Ford’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems team, the manufacturer received 60 patents through the course of development. Like other forms of artificial intelligence technology finding its way into people’s daily lives, Ford is going to consistently be updating its algorithms with future trailer image data. The aim, of course, is to make the system better over time through Ford Power-Up software updates.
Ford is relying on technology to make driving a pleasure, not a struggle. At Sunrise Ford, we have a similar goal in mind to make your car shopping experience as enjoyable as it possibly can be. We are here to offer suggestions that may help you with any financial needs or questions you may have pertaining to the payment of a vehicle. Please stop by and see what we can do for you right now.