Ford forms r&d team for robotics, artificial intelligence

In a blog post published Thursday, recently appointed Ford Chief Technology Officer Ken Washington said the automaker was forming the new division under Ford Research and Advanced Engineering to explore technologies that could enhance the company's current efforts and launch it into new markets. A Ford spokesman said he could not give details on the size of the team.

Robotics and artificial intelligence have become integral to the deployment of autonomous vehicles, leading to developments such as deep learning. They have contributed to a range of other mobility technologies -- a field Ford has been exploring with its Ford Smart Mobility subsidiary.

Specifically, the robotics and artificial intelligence division will research "new sensor technologies, machine learning methods, technical requirements for entry into global markets, and development of personal mobility devices, drones and other aerial robotics to enhance first- and last-mile travel," Washington wrote.