Ford Invests in Robotaxis, Aims to Launch Autonomous Vehicle Service by 2025
Ford Motor Company has announced a major investment in its autonomous vehicle technology, with plans to launch a robotaxi service by 2025. The automaker’s latest move marks a significant step towards making autonomous driving a reality, and puts it in direct competition with other industry leaders such as Waymo and Cruise.
Ford has committed to a significant investment in its self-driving car technology, aiming to create a fleet of autonomous vehicles that can safely and efficiently transport passengers in urban areas. The robotaxi service, code-named "Artery," will initially launch in select cities in the United States, with plans to expand to other markets over time.
The autonomous driving technology will be developed through a combination of Ford’s own research and development, as well as partnerships with other companies and startups in the field. Ford has already made significant progress on its autonomous driving technology, with testing and validation processes underway in various locations.
"We are committed to revolutionizing the way people get around, and our vision for autonomous vehicles is central to that effort," said Jim Farley, president and CEO of Ford Motor Company. "Our new robotaxi service, Artery, will give people a safe, affordable, and convenient way to get around without the hassle and expense of owning a personal vehicle."
Ford’s announcement comes as the autonomous driving industry continues to gain traction, with numerous companies working on similar technologies. Alphabet’s Waymo, Cruise, and Uber are already operating autonomous taxi services, and other companies such as Tesla and General Motors are also working on their own autonomous driving technologies.
To support the development of Artery, Ford has launched a new autonomous vehicle campus in Southeast Michigan, featuring a state-of-the-art testing and validation facility, as well as a massive proving ground for testing self-driving cars. The facility will serve as the epicenter of Ford’s autonomous driving operations, with more than 100 engineers, researchers, and technicians already working on the project.
Ford has also partnered with several major companies to advance its autonomous driving technology, including Amazon, which is working with Ford to develop specialized delivery robots that can work alongside Artery vehicles.
The launch of Artery is expected to have significant implications for the automotive and transportation industries, as it marks the beginning of a new era in mobility and transportation. With the autonomous vehicle technology, Ford plans to revolutionize the way people get around, creating a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly transportation system.
"We’re not just building a fleet of self-driving cars; we’re building a better future," said Farley. "Artery represents a significant step forward for Ford, and we’re excited to bring this groundbreaking technology to the market by 2025."
For more information on Ford’s autonomous driving technology and its plans for Artery, visit Ford’s official website.