Ford, ADT form Canopy to prevent vehicle theft using AI-powered connected security

Ford has teamed up with ADT, Inc., a US-based security services company, to form Canopy. According to Ford, Canopy will combine ADT’s professional security monitoring and Ford’s AI-driven video camera technology to help customers strengthen the security of new and existing vehicles across automotive brands.

“Thieves have been even more active during the pandemic and know business owners store valuable equipment in vehicles, often hauling more than US$50,000 of gear. Canopy is here for those who’ve had enough of thefts that threaten their livelihoods. Key to Ford’s software-led transformation are new ideas such as Canopy and collaborating with other innovators such as ADT, which brings to vehicle security their leadership protecting families, homes, and businesses,” explained Ford New Business Platform Vice President Franck Louis-Victor.

Canopy looks to introduce an industry-first, multi-sensor security system with available professional monitoring. The first products to be offered by Canopy will include those designed for Ford’s commercial and retail pickups and vans including the Ford F-150, F-150 Lightning, Transit vans, and E-Transit. The security system has been developed for easy installation allowing vehicle owners to protect expensive work and recreational equipment.

Ford said that Canopy’s first smart vehicle security system accessory offering will make use of acoustic sensors for vans, onboard cameras, radar, LTE, and GPS. The initial product will have a camera that can be mounted in either a van’s cargo area or on a pickup facing the bed. The platform will use AI technology to identify and report credible threats while reducing false alarm signals.

The system’s AI is designed to distinguish true threats from benign acts before alerting the owner or ADT monitoring agents of potential theft. Owners connected to the system via the Canopy app will receive a smartphone alert for any indicators of potential criminal activity, such as breaking glass, metal cutting, or suspicious motion or sounds near the vehicle.

In addition, ADT monitoring agents can then contact customers, fleet managers, or police to take additional measures to help prevent theft.

“The combination of our technologies and our deep security experience creates a new category of protection for work and personal vehicles. Vehicles represent the second-most-valuable asset for consumers, and helping to protect them extends ADT’s safe, smart, and sustainable solutions far beyond the home,” says ADT Chief Business Development Officer Elliot Cohen.

Canopy looks to improve its offerings by adding better features like a two-way audio feature that will allow owners to warn potential thieves they are being monitored by speaking through the smartphone app as well as audible alerts and programmable voice recordings that will trigger in the event of a credible threat.

Canopy will also seek relationships with other automotive, insurance, and technology companies to expand offerings, explore insurance benefits for use of the technology, and co-create new innovations.

“Commercial customers around the world are laser-focused on protecting investments from costly replacements that can impact their bottom lines. Canopy will help Ford Pro deliver another service to fleets helping to improve total cost of ownership by staying productive and avoiding downtime associated with stolen tools and damaged vehicles – including the majority with mixed fleets since Canopy technology will be available across brands,” said Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis.

Ford Pro will be an important launch partner for Canopy as Ford Pro can help deliver Canopy’s security solutions to commercial and government customers of all sizes, helping drive business forward and accelerate productivity at a global scale.

Canopy will build and sell its first product and subscription service in early 2023 which will be available in the US and UK.

Photos from Ford

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