Ford partners with ADT to launch AI-powered vehicle security through Canopy

MANILA: Canopy, a new joint venture between Ford and ADT Inc., will combine ADT’s professional security monitoring with Ford’s AI-driven video camera technology to help car owners enhance the security of their vehicle.

In a statement, ADT Chief Business Development Officer Elliot Cohen said, “The combination of our technologies and our deep security experience creates a new category of protection for work and personal vehicles. Vehicles represent the second-most-valuable asset for consumers, and helping to protect them extends ADT’s safe, smart, and sustainable solutions far beyond the home.”

Canopy aims to release industry-first multi-sensor security systems with expert monitoring early next year. The first products will be produced and sold in the US and the UK. Customers may easily install it on the industry’s highest-volume commercial and retail pickups and vans, including the Ford F-150, F-150 Lightning, Transit, and E-Transit.

“Thieves have been even more active during the pandemic and know business owners store valuable equipment in vehicles, often hauling more than US$50,000 of gear. Canopy is here for those who’ve had enough of thefts that threaten their livelihoods,” Ford New Business Platform Vice President Franck Louis-Victor stated. “Key to Ford’s software-led transformation are new ideas such as Canopy and collaborating with other innovators such as ADT, which brings to vehicle security their leadership protecting families, homes, and businesses.”

According to the FBI, the estimated cost of stolen work equipment in the US in 2020 is over US$7.4 billion, and that theft of valuable work equipment is underestimated in stolen vehicle reports. With the suspension or loss of jobs while replacing stolen items, small business owners suffer even larger opportunity costs.

Canopy hopes to start integrating camera security solutions into Ford vehicles next year for comprehensive security both inside and outside the vehicle. Canopy will strive for factory-vehicle integrations with other car brands over time.

Acoustic sensors, onboard cameras, radar, LTE, and GPS will be used in Canopy’s first smart vehicle security system accessory offering. The first product will include a camera that can be put in the cargo area of a van or on the bed of a pickup truck. The platform will use AI technology to detect and report credible threats while eliminating false alarms.

Using the Canopy mobile app, users will be able to view live footage from the vehicle, receive alerts for unusual activity, and review past events. Any signs of suspected criminal activity, such as breaking glass, metal cutting, or unusual motion or sound near the vehicle, will trigger a smartphone alert. Users can also warn potential thieves that they are being monitored by speaking through the smartphone app, which will launch a two-way audio feature by next year.

Before warning the owner of ADT monitoring agents of probable theft, the system’s AI is designed to identify real threats from harmless activities, such as a cat jumping into a pickup bed or construction sounds near the vehicle.

If the system detects a person loitering around or invading the vehicle, it will also notify ADT monitoring professionals. ADT agents will then reach out to customers, fleet managers, or police to take further measures to help prevent theft. In future updates, credible threats will activate additional responses, such as audible notifications and programmed voice recordings.

The Canopy products will be available in vehicle dealerships, major retailers, and online. Ford Pro will be a key launch partner, bringing these products to customers all throughout the world.

“Commercial customers around the world are laser focused on protecting investments from costly replacements that can impact their bottom lines. Canopy will help Ford Pro deliver another service to fleets helping to improve total cost of ownership by staying productive and avoiding downtime associated with stolen tools and damaged vehicles — including the majority with mixed fleets since Canopy technology will be available across brands,” Ford Pro Chief Executive Officer Ted Cannis said.

The Canopy team has been working on its first technologies for the past two years as part of Ford’s New Business Platform innovation incubation group. They will now be based in Detroit and London under the supervision of Interim Chief Executive Officer Christian Moran.

Canopy will also pursue partnerships with other automotive, insurance, and technology firms in order to expand its offerings and co-create new technologies.

The initial funding for Canopy is projected to close in the second quarter of 22, subject to certain circumstances, including regulatory approvals. Ford and ADT plan to invest around US$100 million over the next three years.

Images from Ford

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