In January 2022, Ford announced that it would be teaming up with ADT to create a new tech venture called Canopy. This venture aims to combine the AI-driven camera technology from Ford with ADT security monitoring services to improve vehicle security on models like the Ford F-150. The initial impressions were impressive with Canopy showing off a camera monitoring system combined with a smartphone app.
The Pickup Cam
Recently, the Pickup Cam from Canopy became available for pre-order. However, it appears that the Ford F-150 should be getting a more integrated solution soon. The Ford CEO stated that the company’s supplier-controlled firmware is moving to a fully networked electric architecture. The plan is for it to reach all Ford vehicles, including hybrids, EV models, and gas-powered models.
According to the CEO, Ford hasn’t launched the full safety and security platform yet, but it’s coming soon. The goal is to allow customers to monitor their vehicle in its surroundings, whether at home, at work, or elsewhere. Meanwhile, the Canopy Pickup Cam gives customers an idea of what they can expect from more expansive monitoring in the future.
The Pickup Cam provides real-time truck bed monitoring when the vehicle is parked. It connects to a Canopy Hub, which delivers dedicated power and cell connectivity for seamless monitoring. Ford F-150 owners can use the Canopy Security smartphone app to look at live video and any recorded past events. They will also get a push notification if the system detects suspicious activity.
Video Capture Tech Key To Future
Ford has made it clear that video capture tech is the future of vehicle security. Of course, the company is also aware that it represents a potentially massive source of future income. Everything is connected these days, from smart appliances in houses to interior and exterior camera monitoring, it only makes sense that vehicles would also enter into this picture. Your vehicle then becomes an extension of a larger monitoring system.
The obvious use for this type of system is to provide security for the vehicle and potentially prevent it from being stolen. It can also be used to provide evidence for insurance companies in the event of a theft or other car prowl. However, another use is to monitor teenage drivers.
To this end, Ford recently filed patents for a vehicle-to-vehicle security system and a neighboring vehicle security system.
Ford F-150 Served As Test Bed
In 2022, a Ford F-150 prototype was spotted with a video recording system, which seemed to indicate a test vehicle for the Canopy technology at the time. Video recording decals were spotted on the vehicle’s door and there was a camera mounted on the passenger mirror secured with black tape.
Around the same time, Ford released a demo video showing a would-be thief attempting to steal something out of the truck’s bed only to be captured by the camera system. The owner is alerted to the theft in progress through an app and is then able to speak through an external system to warn the thief.
The end goal of the partnership with ADT is to allow ADT employees to monitor these situations and potentially alert authorities.
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