Ford and ADT Partner to Deter Vehicle Theft

New Joint Venture: Canopy Enhances Vehicle Security

Automaker Ford and ADT, a leading provider of security and alarm monitoring solutions for homes and businesses, have collaborated to establish a new venture named Canopy. This partnership is designed to address existing shortcomings in the realm of vehicle security.

Initial Product Offering

Canopy’s first product is an aftermarket accessory designed for installation on vehicles. This device actively monitors the vehicle’s surroundings and promptly alerts drivers to potential issues, such as theft or acts of vandalism.

The Growing Problem of Vehicle Theft

Despite the presence of integrated vehicle alarm systems, theft remains a significant concern. The FBI estimated losses from motor vehicle theft reached $7.4 billion in 2020, encompassing both the vehicles themselves and their contents.

Piloting and Development

Canopy’s product has undergone ten months of pilot testing with trucking companies across the United States and cargo van operators in the United Kingdom. This testing phase aimed to integrate Ford’s expertise in vehicle camera systems with ADT’s established monitoring services, ultimately protecting commercial and retail customers from vehicle theft.

FordX and Automotive Security

This venture represents ADT’s initial entry into the automotive security market. It originated from FordX, the automaker’s innovation incubator, which focuses on rapidly developing, acquiring, and testing new transportation technologies. FordX previously oversaw the development of Jelly, a dockless e-scooter sharing service, which ultimately led to the acquisition of Spin.

Broad Vehicle Compatibility and Availability

The Canopy accessory is designed to be universally compatible, working with vehicles of any make or model. It is slated for release online and in physical retail locations in early 2023.

Sensor Technology and Data Processing

The device utilizes a combination of sensors – including cameras, radar, and acoustic sensors – to gather comprehensive data about the vehicle’s environment. This data is then processed by an operating system independent of the vehicle’s native systems, before being transmitted to cloud servers via LTE or Wi-Fi.

Real-Time Alerts and Response

Potential theft incidents are reported to vehicle owners through a dedicated mobile application or directly to ADT’s network of 5,000 monitoring agents. Leah Page, VP of mobile security and strategic projects at ADT, explains that the system utilizes AI solutions to differentiate between harmless events and genuine threats.

AI-Powered Threat Detection

“Our system can distinguish between a bird flying by and someone attempting to break into the cargo area of a truck,” Page stated to TechCrunch. “Upon detecting a potential event, our monitoring agents are prepared to respond, ranging from simply notifying the owner or an emergency contact to alerting law enforcement, depending on the circumstances.”

Future Integration and Expansion

Canopy plans to introduce a future monitoring system that seamlessly integrates with a vehicle’s existing hardware, leveraging its cameras and sensors for enhanced security features. While Ford will be the initial integration partner, the long-term goal is to make Canopy’s technology accessible to all automotive manufacturers.

A Multi-Make Solution

Christian Moran, director of FordX and interim CEO of Canopy, emphasized the importance of a universal approach. “To provide a truly valuable offering to customers, we needed a solution that would work across multiple vehicle brands and address security concerns for vehicles already on the road.”

Targeting Commercial and Retail Customers

Initially, Canopy’s focus will be on commercial customers, including large fleets transporting valuable cargo and small business owners with expensive tools and equipment in their trucks. However, feedback from pilot programs revealed potential applications for individual consumers as well.

Consumer Use Cases and Live Streaming

Moran noted, “We received positive feedback from individuals who transport items like bicycles or kayaks, seeking protection for their valuable possessions.” Furthermore, the ability to livestream footage around the vehicle in low-light conditions proved to be a surprisingly popular feature among pilot participants.

Evidence Provided to Law Enforcement

During the pilot programs, Canopy provided evidence of two attempted theft incidents to vehicle owners, enabling them to collaborate with police and insurance companies.

Investment and Future Growth

Ford and ADT have collectively invested $105 million in Canopy, with Ford contributing $63 million and ADT providing $42 million. These funds will be allocated to expanding the product, engineering, and go-to-market teams in both the U.S. and the U.K., as well as establishing a robust supply chain and logistics network to support future scalability.