Ford eNews – May 25, 2011
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Could your car seat monitor your heart rate? Ford engineers have developed a car seat that can monitor a driver's heartbeat, opening the door to a wealth of health, convenience and even life-saving potential. A joint project undertaken by experts from Ford's European Research and Innovation Centre in Aachen, Germany and RWTH Aachen University, the seat uses six special embedded sensors to detect electrical impulses generated by the heart. Data collected by the sensors could be analyzed by medical experts or onboard computer software. Possibilities range from linking to remote medical services and Ford vehicle safety systems to even providing real-time health information and alerts of an imminent heart attack. Alan Hall | [email protected] | 313.594.3744 |
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Ford avatars inspired by Hollywood technology Jack and Jill, Ford's digital employees that assure quality on the assembly line, are headed for the company's new manufacturing plants in Asia and other parts of the world. The avatars, standardized using Ford size and shape population data gathered from Ford assembly plants across the globe, will now be used to create a safer workplace and ensure high quality. Human modeling software is combined with Hollywood's motion-capture technology to conduct ergonomic assessment tests to make sure job demands are matched to work capability on the line. The virtual assembly line also ensures a quality vehicle is being built in the prototype phase – before a real vehicle is ever put together. Wes Sherwood | [email protected] | 313.390.5660 |
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kbb.com: Easy A for 2012 Ford Focus kbb.com, in a twist on its annual list of top road trip cars, identified 10 life stages of the American driver on the road today then determined the most fitting new car for each stage. For 2011, kbb.com editors put the 2012 Ford Focus at the head of the class as the ride that's most fit for students longing for the open road. kbb.com says the Focus "looks cool, sports an upscale interior, rides and handles incredibly well and costs about the same as some more boring compact cars." The five-door hatchback with extra cargo room is recommended for added storage, and Focus fuel economy of 38 mpg (40 mpg for the SFE sedan) is "not to be overlooked." Click here for the full release. Octavio Navarro | [email protected] | 313.845.2387 |
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Ford Fund helps celebrate Latino influence in music As part of its long-standing commitment to Hispanic arts and culture, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services is supporting "American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music," a traveling Smithsonian exhibit on view at Sacramento Public Library in Sacramento, Calif. Visitors will experience the many contributions Hispanic musicians have made to American music and the profound influence they have had on jazz, rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll and hip-hop. The richness of Latino sounds can be experienced through dynamic bilingual text panels, striking graphics and photos, and compelling listening stations and films. The exhibit runs through Aug. 7. Click here for the full release. |