Topics
late
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:Kirsten Korosec
Apps
Biotech & Health
mood
Image Credits:Kirsten Korosec
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
Gadgets
Gaming
Government & Policy
Hardware
layoff
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
privateness
Robotics
security system
Social
Space
Startups
TikTok
Transportation
Venture
More from TechCrunch
effect
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
Videos
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
A U.S. Union safety regulator has “ upgraded ” its investigation into Ford ’s hands - free modern driver assist system lie with as BlueCruise — a required step before a recall can be issued .
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ’s Office of Defects Investigationlaunched a probeinto Ford BlueCruise last April after the federal agency confirmed the system was active in Ford Mustang Mach E vehicles involved intwo fateful clash . In both instance , the Mustang Mach E cars hit stationary vehicles .
NHTSA issued anotice this weekthat it has upgraded the probe to an engine room analysis . This means the bureau will stab deeply into BlueCruise and its potential limitation , which includes vehicle evaluations , reviewing additional technological information , and performing additional analysis of related crashes and non - crash reports .
An estimated 129,222 Ford Mustang Mach eastward vehicles are equipped with BlueCruise , according tothe regulator . A Ford spokesperson differentiate TechCrunch the automaker is working with NHTSA to support its investigation .
The agency pronounce its initial investigation witness BlueCruise has limitations in the “ detection of stationary vehicle in certain conditions . ” Those limitation admit the potentiality to incorrectly detect stationary physical object at long distances when the Ford fomite is travel at or above 62 miles per hour .
“ Additionally , system performance may be limited when there is short visibleness due to insufficient illumination , ” NHTSA said .
Forddebuted BlueCruisein 2021 on the 2021 F-150 tone arm hand truck and certain 2021 Mustang Mach - Es models . The hands - barren feature uses cameras , radiolocation sensors , and software to provide a combination of adaptive sail dominance , lane centering , and speed - sign recognition . BlueCruise and competitorGM ’s Super Cruisesystems are both hands - free , although an in - cabin photographic camera monitor drivers to ensure their eye are on the road .
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
These systems are conceive competitors to Tesla Autopilot , which still requires the driver ’s hands to remain on the cycle . Autopilot and the upgraded Tesla Full Self - Driving computer software are still weigh less constrained than Ford BlueCruise , which only works on sure pre - mapped highways .
Last October , NHTSA also opened an investigationinto Tesla ’s so - shout out “ Full ego - Driving ( Supervised ) ” software after four reported crashes in low - profile situations — admit one where a pedestrian was kill . That investigation is ongoing .
This article was updated to admit a comment from Ford .
