Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Ford Patents 'Vehicle-integrated Drone'
Ford's vehicle-launched drone is just one of several UAV technologies the company is pursuing.
Ford has launched a research effort to explore "vehicle-integrated" drone technology. They could deploy in the case of an accident, either to transmit a message to first responders, enhance mobile phone connectivity, or even illuminate the accident scene and/or stream video.
Ford has launched a research effort to explore "vehicle-integrated" drone technology. They could deploy in the case of an accident, either to transmit a message to first responders, enhance mobile phone connectivity, or even illuminate the accident scene and/or stream video.

Think of it as OnStar on steroids. Automaker Ford has patented a “vehicle-integrated drone” that is programmable and can automatically deploy from cars and trucks in emergencies and fly either autonomously or under pilot control to illuminate accident scenes with lights and sirens, stream photos and video, boost emergency communication, and enhance navigation. The law enforcement applications are obvious, but so are those aimed at rural users of unimproved roadways who need to see the road ahead or who travel in areas of spotty/nonexistent cell service.