Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has developed a new technology that will allow a car to park itself without the help of a driver. The Fully Assisted Parking Aid (FAPA) has ultrasonic sensors, a camera, and three radar modules to scan the road up to 650 feet. It automatically detects perpendicular, diagonal and parallel parking spaces even when other nearby vehicles continue to move at speeds up to 18 mph on the street or in a parking lot.
Ford one step closer to self-driving cars
The sensors in FAPA find a space, and the driver can then come out of the car and activate the system. The car will autonomously go into the spot its sensors recognized. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)’s development takes it one step closer to self-driving cars. Several companies including Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) have promised to introduce a self-driving car by the end of this decade.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) developed the new technology in Europe, and the U.S. automaker demonstrated its technology at its proving grounds in Belgium, reports Fox News. European citizens face a big problem while parking their cars. Streets in the region have become increasingly crowded with vehicles but parking spaces haven’t increased much over the years.
Ford solves the trouble of drivers
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) said in a statement that the basic idea behind developing the technology was to relieve the stress of drivers. Drivers always face trouble parking their cars in a small space. The new technology will also help let cars park themselves closely. That’s because there won’t be a driver inside to open the door after the car is parked.
When it’s time to leave, the driver just has to press a button on the key fob. The car will come out to a space where the driver can easily get into it.
Many of Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)’s cars already have a perpendicular parking system. But that requires the driver to stay inside to operate the transmission and brake. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) said cars with the newly developed system will be made available within the next two years.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) shares skidded 0.48 percent to $16.42 at 11:31 AM EDT.
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