Connected security devices have exploded in popularity and Ford is teaming up with ADT to bring them to vehicles.
As part of a new joint venture named Canopy, vehicles of the future will feature artificial intelligence video camera technology from Ford as well as professional security monitoring from ADT.
The partnership aims to “strengthen security of new and existing vehicles across automotive brands,” and is being aimed at commercial users and contractors who typically store equipment and tools in their vehicles. As Ford noted, the FBI estimates that more than $7.4 (£5.4 / €6.5) billion of work equipment was stolen in the United States in 2020 and this can have a devastating impact on small businesses.
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Canopy plans to launch early next year and its first offering will make use of “acoustic sensors for vans, onboard cameras, radar, LTE, and GPS.” Ford went on to explain the company’s initial product will have a camera that can be mounted in a van’s cargo area or on a pickup facing the bed. The automaker added the system will use “AI technology to identify and report credible threats.”
Besides the hardware, there will be a Canopy app that allows users to see a livestream from their vehicle as well as get notifications about activity such as “breaking glass, metal cutting, or suspicious motion or sound near the vehicle.” They can also use the app to review past events and warn potential thieves they’re on camera via a two-way audio feature.
Customers can also subscribe to ADT monitoring, which will get involved if the system detects a person loitering around or breaching the vehicle. ADT employees can then notify customers, fleet managers, or the police.
Ford will begin integrating the system into their vehicles next year, but Canopy will seek factory integrations with other automakers as well. However, you don’t need to get a new vehicle to benefit from the increased security as Canopy products will be sold through vehicle dealerships, major retailers, and online. Unfortunately, there’s no word on how much the equipment and subscription will cost.
