Accelerating the Automotive Industry
New innovations and innovation platforms have the potential to produce big change in the automotive industry.
The U.S. Airforce Research Lab (AFRL) is currently developing a design from the Air Force’s Open Innovation Pavilion. The design is for a remote-controlled vehicle that can deploy an airbag under a fleeing car that would slide it to a complete stop, potentially keeping police officers and citizens out of harm’s way. The technology will have both military and law enforcement utility. A retired engineer won $25,000 for the winning vehicle concept which is electric-powered and has the ability to accelerate up to 130 mph within three seconds.
This summer, Ford Motor Company and Techshop previewed joint project TechShop Detroit, a new communal fabrication studio where everyday inventors, from backyard tinkerers to tech-savvy engineers, can come and create their very-own homegrown innovations. The facility is scheduled to open in November. With access to Ford engineering campus and a growing population of young, educated residents, both parties seeDetroit as a promising hub of innovation. Ford also plans to expand this site into an intellectual property exchange and technology showroom where everyday inventors, industry insiders, universities and research labs can display and even license their automotive innovations and other ideas.
Ford has also recently announced a joint development project with Bug Labs to research, develop and distribute open-source developer tools to advance in-car connectivity innovation. The research platform, called “OpenXC” is designed to enable the developer community to quickly prototype ideas and test out affordable new connectivity concepts that could enhance Ford’s future products. The goal is to make connectivity more available, affordable and personalized; customizing the in-car experience to meet the different market needs around the globe. Additionally, the concept could provide Ford new business models such as hardware and software distribution, developer resources and app stores.
Add your Comment
[LOGIN FIRST] if you're already a member.fields are required.