Ford Uses Google Prediction API to Optimize Energy Efficiency

18 May 2011 - American automotive giant is looking towards using the latest technology in finding out how they can make ‘smarter’ vehicles for the future. This is where they are going into cloud computing and analytics services provided by Google to find out ways to provide better fuel efficiency and optimal driveability in their future models.

The announcement, made at Google’s I/O conference in San Francisco, is an interesting tag-team. Ford has strong auto technology partnerships with Ford and Nuance to name a few. The tie-up with Google highlights how algorithms that connect public and private data will be needed to enhance the driver experience.

Ford presented a case study on how Google’s Prediction API could be used to enhance the performance of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. For instance, an electric vehicle driver could have access to a route that would take into account battery usage, optimize power and work out details to stay in all-electric mode in a city.

Among the key points:
- Ford will add Google’s Prediction API to its research and analysis.
- Google’s API can convert historical driving data into real time predictions.
- The outcome from the algorithm combination will be used to predict routes.
- Vehicle owner opts into the predictive service and driver data is collected and encrypted. The system learns over time and all data is encrypted for privacy and security.
- When the car is started Google Prediction will use history to optimize routes and performance based on location and time of day.
- The car via voice recognition would confirm its predictions based on input from the driver.

The next step for Ford is to use conduct feasibility studies for using Google’s Prediction API. In the big picture, Ford’s Google I/O announcement signals that in-car technology is moving beyond infotainment to more complicated tasks.