Ford and Argo AI
have introduced their third-generation of autonomous vehicles. Based on the
Ford Fusion Hybrid, the car has been equipped with a “significantly upgraded
sensor suite” that includes new cameras and radar sets. Argo AI says the
cameras are higher resolution and feature a greater dynamic range. This enables
them to better recognize objects that are far away.
Besides the sensor
suite upgrades, the car has been equipped with a brand-new computing system
that “offers far more processing power” than its predecessor. It runs upgraded
software and features improved thermal management systems that create less heat
and noise. This is important as no one wants to ride in a hot and noisy
autonomous vehicle.
Ford and Argo AI
are also working to make autonomous vehicles safer. As part of this effort,
third-generation models have been equipped with redundant braking and steering
systems. This allows them to safely pull over and stop, in the event of a
malfunction. Argo AI President, Peter Rander, says the third-generation
vehicles are a “step closer to production specification.” While the company
still has a way to go, the new models will be deployed in Pittsburgh, Palo
Alto, Miami and Washington, D.C. The company will also expand its Michigan
testing to include Detroit.
In a seemingly
backhanded compliment, Rander said “Detroit roads don’t have a singular
defining feature.” While that sounds bad, he’s referring to the fact that
Detroit streets are a hodgepodge of everything as there’s unmarked lanes,
narrow side streets with parked cars and residential neighborhoods with
overhanging tree branches.
The tests will help
to further refine the technology as Ford is preparing to introduce a
purpose-built autonomous vehicle in 2021. It is slated to have a Level 4
semi-autonomous driving system which will enable the model to drive itself in
“a specifically-defined area of a city and only when the weather is good enough
for the sensors to work properly.”
