Ford uses Google tech to optimise journeys

Car manufacturer working with Google's prediction API to make vehicles smarter

Automotive firm Ford will roll out Google's Prediction API across its vehicles in a bid to derive real-time predictions from historical driving data and help Ford customers drive more efficiently.

The data will include information on where a driver has traveled to and at what time of day.

Ryan McGee, technical expert, Vehicle Controls Architecture and Algorithm Design at Ford Research and Innovation, said: "The Google Prediction API allows us to use information that an individual driver creates over time and make that information actionable.

"Between Google Prediction and our own research, we are discovering ways to make information work for the driver and help deliver optimal vehicle performance."

When a vehicle owner uses the service, an encrypted driver data usage profile is built based on the driver's routes and time of travel, and the system records information about how the driver is using the vehicle.

When the driver starts the vehicle, Google Prediction will use historical driving behaviour to predict the most likely destination, given the time of day and location, and provide information on how best to drive to and from that location. This could include tips on how to use less fuel or take the quickest route.

The on-board computer might ask if the driver is going to work and, if so, offer a driving strategy for the trip.

"Once the destination is confirmed, the vehicle would have instant access to a variety of real-time information that may be used to help improve performance, and [this information will] consider factors the driver may not even be aware of," said McGee.