If you hate sitting in traffic, Ford (F) - Get Report and IBM (IBM) - Get Report are teaming up to make it suck a little bit less.
Ford signed a deal with IBM Cloud to use IBM's analytics platform to make driving a better experience. New apps will be built on Ford's Smart Mobility Experimentation Platform. The new apps that might be created could be used to help people make smarter transportation decisions, find a parking spot easier, or actually use a faster method of transportation so drivers don't spend half their day sitting in traffic, hitting the horn and cursing at people who can't hear them seven cars ahead.
Ford is testing the service with its Dynamic Shuttle pilot program, which is already working on the company's campus in Dearborn, Mich.
The deal was announced at the Detroit Auto Show.
"Ford's Smart Mobility Platform takes huge amounts of information and breaks it down to help consumers have better travel experiences," said Rich Strader, Ford director, enterprise and emerging information technology.
The platform allows research scientists to look at small pieces of data, some as little as 10 or 15 seconds worth at a time, to help spot any improvements that could be made.
By using IBM's real-time analytics, Ford is able to learn what's actually going on in the word, such as problems on the subway system or when a driver leaves a parking space to help travelers more efficiently.
The announcement is part of Ford's plan to be more of a mobility company, as opposed to strictly an auto company, which it has been for more than 100 years.
