Ford Developing Futuristic “MOBII” Technology

In the modern era where technology plays an extremely important role in automobiles, Ford has begun a joint venture with Intel to take things to an unprecedented, almost space-age level. The joint venture called Mobile Interior Imaging, or MOBII showcases how cameras with sensor technology can create a more personalized feel between the driver and his car.

MOBII was jointly researched by Intel ethnographers and Ford engineers that involves computing technology for a more joyful driving experience. Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technology Officer at Ford says, "Our goal with the MOBII research is to explore how drivers interact with technology in the car and how we can then make that interaction more intuitive and predictive"

He also said that in-car imaging is only pure research at this stage but will be implemented soon. Project MOBII does have some goals in mind. For example, it will recognize the authorised driver of the particular car, so any unauthorised person cannot drive the car car and hence car theft is ruled out.

When the authorised driver enters the car, MOBII will recognize the person and will adjust the ambience of the car for that particular person, like music and in-car adjustments. If the car does not identify the driver, it will send a picture of the person to the owner's mobile and the owner can limit the access of in-car controls remotely via his smart phone.

MOBII also allows gesture control and voice command so that the driver has his concentration on the road and nowhere else. This new technology will be very useful on our roads and could potentially cause a drastic drop in road accidents and theft of vehicles.