STEM

Ford’s Future of Safety tour brings new airbag technology to Syracuse University

Thursday, October 7, 2010, By News Staff

Ford Motor Co. is partnering with the L. C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science (LCS) at Syracuse University to demonstrate the future of auto safety. Members of the Syracuse University and greater Syracuse communities are invited to get a firsthand look at how Ford Motor Company is incorporating safety features such as smart sensors (including radar), camera and wireless technologies, to develop new crash avoidance and driver assist systems that detect and help drivers recognize and respond to collision risks more quickly.

The Future of Safety event will take place on Friday, Oct. 8, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Waverly parking lot.

“We’re proud to once again lead the industry in safety innovation,” says Srini Sundararajan, Ford’s lead passive safety expert. “Our latest improvement highlights our attention to detail on airbag safety, which now improves overall protection of both driver and passenger.”

“This Future of Safety event is an excellent opportunity for our students and faculty to see firsthand Ford’s technological and design innovations to promote safety,” says LCS Dean Laura Steinberg. “It is a great example of how the work of engineers is helping to save lives. We hope this collaboration will be the first of many between the L.C Smith College and Ford.”

Additional featured safety technologies include MyKey™; SYNC®: Traffic, Directions & Information; BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System); Active Park Assist; Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors; and Cross Traffic Alert.

Ford Motor Co. is proud to be showcasing its new exclusive air bag system, which is also featured in the 2011 Ford Focus. The company’s next-generation driver-side airbag with enhanced chest protection technology is designed to help reduce chest and rib injuries. The pioneering side airbags help with chest protection for front seat occupants with shoulder vents that deliver varying levels of pressure based on the size of the occupant and how much of their shoulder blocks the vent.

The 2011 Focus will be the first car ever with a front passenger airbag with adaptive venting, designed to help enhance head and neck protection by better matching deployment force with occupant size. These next-generation airbags will debut as standard equipment for the Ford Focus. They will also be standard on future Ford vehicles in the coming few years.

Representatives from Ford will be on hand at the event to demonstrate the innovative safety features found in Ford’s vehicles and meet with LCS students. Students and faculty will also be treated to a conversation with Ford’s engineering department, focusing on the development of the inflatable seat belt, but also other features of the vehicle production process. Following a reception and conversation, the general public will also be able to take part in demonstrations of the technologies.