Automobile Giant Teams With Defense Contractor

Automobile Giant Teams With Defense Contractor

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In an effort to utilize defense technology for civilian use, a giant automobile corporation has purchased a small defense technology contractor in order to get auto-piloted cars on the road. Ford Motor has recently acquired Quantum Signal AI for an undisclosed amount. The small AI firm has worked in the past with the United States military on sniper simulations and remote controlled robots.

Ford believes that the skills Quantum Signal AI have obtained in the past are a perfect fit for assisting in the development of autonomous vehicles. The hope is that Quantum Signal will help autonomous cars avoid potholes and other dangers on the road.

Ford’s autonomous vehicle unit’s CTO, Randy Visintainer, said that “the number one priority is 2021, it’s all about getting that done,” further stating that 2021 is difficult goal to stand by and that the company won’t be able to reach it on its own.

Bloomberg.com mentions that Quantum Signal’s robotics experts will work together with Argo AI, Ford’s autonomous car partner and researchers.

Ford has recently teamed up with Volkswagen AG to develop self-driving cars. Volkswagen has contributed over $2.6 billion to Argo as part of the collaboration, pushing Ford and Volkswagen as leaders in the autonomous car movement.

As for Quantum Signal, the firm will continue to work in its original offices somewhat independently of Ford. Yet still, Quantum Signal is dropping all its defense related work so that it can help Ford reach its 2021 deadline.

However Quantum Signal will still utilize its military work for Ford. The company has developed sentinel robots that act as guards for remote U.S. military bases. The robots would respond to intruders and can make noise and shine lights to scare away animals that would trigger the intrusion alert. This technology could be adapted to be used to remotely operate a driverless van or car.

Quantum Signal is also known for its ANVEL simulation software, which was used by the military to define the performance of autonomous systems. Such software could be used to create virtual simulations that can recreate how an autonomous vehicle will share the road with human drivers.

With 2021 getting closer and closer, only time will tell if Ford will reach its goal with autonomous vehicles.