Ford announces the grand opening of its latest lab located in the American hotbed for innovative digital technology - Silicon Valley.
Determined to position the company into the right place at the right time when innovation emerges, "big-business" Ford is looking at tech start-ups for fresh ideas. Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford explains, "We have been innovating for more than a century at Ford, but we acknowledge we don't have a monopoly on creativity. Our new office will complement our existing research efforts by allowing us to tap into the region that has been driving consumer technology forward in recent decades. We want Silicon Valley to view Ford as a platform that is open, accessible and ready for their innovative ideas and technologies. We are looking for unexpected solutions for the future, and we believe Silicon Valley is the right place to round out our global research organization. We view technology as more than just an impressive list of microprocessors, sensors and software. It is the enabler of a safe, intuitive and enjoyable time behind the wheel."
The new Ford Silicon Valley Lab (SVL) operates as an independent lab supporting the future of personal mobility that focuses upon three main components.
The first focus is internally known as 'Big Data.' Ford is quickly operating as a data-driven company, applying both internal and external sources to find solutions, whether to inspire a product, create a unique marketing campaign, or to draw out long term decisions.
Widening the scope, 'Open Source' focuses on continuously evolving the Ford Sync computer module. Looking to improve real-time data aggregation, vehicular data from infotainment systems and sensors in Ford vehicles can be used in a region-centric manner to help address congestion and improve efficiency.
The last focus is 'User Experience.' Ford must find solutions to contradicting problems. How can a driver be better connected without suffering from distracted driving? Ford must rethink how drivers and passengers interact with the vehicle and how a vehicle should simplify life for its occupants. In a nutshell, the key is to "optimally organize, filter, and deliver content."
