When will Ford's new AI voice assistant be available?

Ford's AI voice assistant is expected to roll out to customers starting in 2026 on mobile apps and in-car by 2027.

What level of autonomous driving is Ford planning?

Ford plans to introduce a hands-free, eyes-off Level 3 autonomous driving feature by 2028.

How is Ford making its AI technology more affordable?

Ford is developing core software and hardware in-house to reduce costs and maintain greater control over its AI-powered features.

Home / Technology / Ford's AI Leap: Hands-Free Driving & Smarter Assistants Arrive

Ford's AI Leap: Hands-Free Driving & Smarter Assistants Arrive

8 Jan

•

Summary

Ford develops in-house AI tech for affordable advanced features.
A Level 3 autonomous driving feature is planned for 2028.
An AI assistant will integrate vehicle-specific data by 2027.

Ford's AI Leap: Hands-Free Driving & Smarter Assistants Arrive

Ford is set to integrate advanced AI into its vehicles, beginning with an AI-powered voice assistant due to reach customers by 2027. This assistant will leverage vehicle-specific data, offering enhanced capabilities beyond general LLMs. The automaker is committed to developing core software and hardware in-house to manage costs and maintain technological control, avoiding a direct race in processor speed.

The company also announced plans for a Level 3 autonomous driving feature, slated for release in 2028 as part of its Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform launching in 2027. This move signifies a strategic pivot from fully autonomous ambitions, focusing instead on conditional driver-assist features that are more accessible and profitable.

This recalibration follows challenges with earlier EV models and a strategic shift away from fully autonomous vehicles after the closure of its Argo AI program. Ford aims to strike a balance, incorporating AI for practical applications like voice assistance and advanced driver aids, while optimizing for performance, cost, and size in its new computing architecture.