Ford Introduces AI-based Trailer Technology
Ford wants to help customers end their frustrations when hitching and towing with a truck. As the maker of America’s leading F-Series pickups, Ford has introduced industry-first technology courtesy of artificial intelligence which makes hitching a trailer to a truck as easy as pushing a single button. Pairing a truck and trailer can be challenging at times, but at worst it can also be embarrassing if there’s an audience watching and waiting. Whether customers find themselves alone or with a spotter while attempting to line up and hitch a trailer, the tension-filled ordeal can now be considered a thing of the past thanks to Ford. Positioning the truck’s hitch ball under the trailer hitch has never been easier, and buyers can rest assured that going forward joining the truck and trailer will be a breeze.
Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, the name of Ford’s latest AI-infused technology, helps reduce and downright take out the frustration involved while hitching up. So, how does the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist tech work exactly? Using the rear camera and corner radars, the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist technology aligns the trailer coupler while also simultaneously controlling the pickup’s speed, braking, and steering for a perfect fit. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is available on the F-150, F-150 Lightning, and all F-series Super Duty pickups.
“Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is another smart solution to save time for our customers. Instead of struggling to hitch a trailer alone or with a spotter, customers can now get hitched more confidently and on their way to the lake or a jobsite,” said John Emmert, Ford Truck General Manager.
In order to operate the Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, a customer must push and hold a button while monitoring the motions via the truck’s large center infotainment display. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist relies on advanced machine learning technology when detecting the hitch ball, trailer, and coupler up to distances of about 20 feet. Subsequently, when the pickup backs up to the trailer, the system automatically decides which is the best path to follow. Computer vision completes the task by accurately detecting the hitch ball and trailer. The driver then verifies that the coupler is placed above the hitch ball as the truck’s control algorithms steer and line up the truck so the hitch ball clicks into position directly under the trailer’s coupler.
This results in less time spent backing up the trailer–all with improved confidence. Ford’s experts even estimate that the new technology will help reduce time that’s usually spent correcting maneuvering mistakes. The automaker collected a large volume of data to develop Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, helping it learn algorithms to detect trailers of varying sizes, as well as types of terrain and a wide array of weather conditions. The system even includes an ultrasonic reverse parking aid system, which in turn alerts the driver in case there’s a sudden obstacle during the maneuvers. Ford is also counting on trailer image data to improve the system over time via over-the-air Ford Power-Up software updates. The automaker developed the technology in-house, courtesy of Ford’s Advanced Driver Assistance Teams. Over the course of development, Ford applied for and received 60 patents.
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Photo Source/Copyright: Ford