Ford’s Silicon Valley facility to experiment with autonomous tech

Ford has expanded the role of its Research and Innovation Center in Palo Alto, California.
The Silicon Valley facility was initially opened in 2012 to handle research efforts related to big data, open-source innovation and user experience. Local talent will now be used for experiments related to three of the latest technologies to sweep the industry: autonomous vehicles, connectivity and mobility.

To help lead the broader range of research endeavors, Ford has hired former Apple engineer Dragos Maciuca to serve as the senior technical leader. The company suggests its hiring plan will soon establish one of the largest automotive research teams in the region.

“This new research center shows Ford’s commitment to be part of the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem – anticipating customers’ wants and needs, especially on connectivity, mobility and autonomous vehicles,” said Ford chief Mark Fields. “We are working to make these new technologies accessible to everyone, not just luxury customers.”

The company expects the facility to employ 125 researchers, engineers and scientists by the end of the year.