Collaboration key to advancing Ford’s connected vehicle strategy
Ford’s work with the University of Michigan is a key facet in its plan to encourage app development for the vehicle, and at the same time harness the power of social networks and cloud computing to deliver the future of a grand tradition: the great American road trip.
“Already with SYNC®, we have proven that we can access information in the cloud,” said Prasad. “This project gives us the opportunity to harness the power of student innovation to explore beyond current capabilities and develop what’s next. We provided these students with the tools to innovate, and in approximately 100 days they created fun, unique and really useful results.”
“This was an incredible opportunity for our students to work closely with an industrial partner on the leading edge of a growing trend,” said Dr. Brian Noble, associate professor in computer science and engineering at the University of Michigan. “It’s been a powerful experience showing these kids that there are really cool, high-tech problems waiting to be solved right here in Michigan. It would have been impossible without the help of Ford, Microsoft and Intel.” Noble co-taught the course with U-M computer science and engineering associate professor Jason Flinn.
Working with Microsoft and Intel, Ford provided the students with a developmental application platform built on Windows 7 and Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio in the vehicle to access Windows Azure in the cloud.
A project like American Journey 2.0, involving teamwork with a university’s student body, represents a developmental shift for Ford as it looks for ways to use novel models of open collaboration similar to how ideas are cultivated in Silicon Valley. The goal is to deliver relevant and personalized content tailored for an individual driver’s unique in-car experience.
“Through our work with Ford, the University of Michigan and Intel on this project, Microsoft is helping to further open innovation within the automotive industry and provide a consistent, connected in-vehicle experience that seamlessly integrates into consumers’ digital lifestyles,” said David Graff, director of U.S. Automotive and Industrial Equipment Industry Solutions for Microsoft. “We commend each of these student teams for their creativity and work in developing these applications and look forward to continued collaboration opportunities to fuel the connectivity of future in-car systems with the vast world of Windows.”
Intel also contributed expertise and technology tools to the project and is proud to participate in a project with future developers who will create the next generation of innovative, connected solutions for the car. “Intel is committed to offering products and technologies that will bring new compelling and driver-safe applications to the car,” said Staci Palmer, director of Strategic Market Development, Embedded and Communications Group, Intel Corporation. “Our involvement in the American Journey 2.0 project is a great example of how Intel is working with industry leaders like Ford and Microsoft as well as future developers to encourage the development of connected computing solutions for the vehicle that bring personalized and relevant content to drivers and passengers.”
Ford’s work with the University of Michigan is a key facet in its plan to encourage app development for the vehicle, and at the same time harness the power of social networks and cloud computing to deliver the future of a grand tradition: the great American road trip.
“Already with SYNC®, we have proven that we can access information in the cloud,” said Prasad. “This project gives us the opportunity to harness the power of student innovation to explore beyond current capabilities and develop what’s next. We provided these students with the tools to innovate, and in approximately 100 days they created fun, unique and really useful results.”
“This was an incredible opportunity for our students to work closely with an industrial partner on the leading edge of a growing trend,” said Dr. Brian Noble, associate professor in computer science and engineering at the University of Michigan. “It’s been a powerful experience showing these kids that there are really cool, high-tech problems waiting to be solved right here in Michigan. It would have been impossible without the help of Ford, Microsoft and Intel.” Noble co-taught the course with U-M computer science and engineering associate professor Jason Flinn.
Working with Microsoft and Intel, Ford provided the students with a developmental application platform built on Windows 7 and Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio in the vehicle to access Windows Azure in the cloud.
A project like American Journey 2.0, involving teamwork with a university’s student body, represents a developmental shift for Ford as it looks for ways to use novel models of open collaboration similar to how ideas are cultivated in Silicon Valley. The goal is to deliver relevant and personalized content tailored for an individual driver’s unique in-car experience.
“Through our work with Ford, the University of Michigan and Intel on this project, Microsoft is helping to further open innovation within the automotive industry and provide a consistent, connected in-vehicle experience that seamlessly integrates into consumers’ digital lifestyles,” said David Graff, director of U.S. Automotive and Industrial Equipment Industry Solutions for Microsoft. “We commend each of these student teams for their creativity and work in developing these applications and look forward to continued collaboration opportunities to fuel the connectivity of future in-car systems with the vast world of Windows.”
Intel also contributed expertise and technology tools to the project and is proud to participate in a project with future developers who will create the next generation of innovative, connected solutions for the car. “Intel is committed to offering products and technologies that will bring new compelling and driver-safe applications to the car,” said Staci Palmer, director of Strategic Market Development, Embedded and Communications Group, Intel Corporation. “Our involvement in the American Journey 2.0 project is a great example of how Intel is working with industry leaders like Ford and Microsoft as well as future developers to encourage the development of connected computing solutions for the vehicle that bring personalized and relevant content to drivers and passengers.”