Ford has acquired Quantum Signal, a cutting-edge company founded in 1999, that works on of mobile robotics for numerous clients, including the military. Although not widely known to the public, Quantum Signal helped the military develop software that allowed it to remotely control robotic vehicles from thousands of miles away. In addition, it built a simulation environment that is capable of testing autonomous vehicle designs that is still being used currently.
Quantum Signal has operated quietly over the years but according to Ford has been on their radar for quite some time. Over the past few years, Ford has been assembling a team of uniquely qualified experts in software development, simulation and machine learning from all around the world as it accelerates autonomous vehicle development.
To further advance Ford’s goal of launching a self-driving vehicle business, the automaker has acquired Quantum Signal and will make use of its extensive experience in real-time simulation and algorithm development, as well as robotics, sensing and perception technology. The wide range of the group’s work portfolio means it will be able to support Ford in numerous areas as the company develops self-driving vehicles and transportation as a service business, including software development and hardware prototyping.
To read the full article from Randy Visintainer, Chief Technical Officer, Ford Autonomous Vehicles, LLC, visit the full Medium post here.
