Exploring Ford BlueCruise

BlueCruise ¹²⁷ is a hands-free highway driving system, designed to enhance the driving experience adding a layer of convenience so that the drive is less stressful and more enjoyable. This innovative technology represents Ford's commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that cater to modern drivers' needs. Here we'll dive into what Ford BlueCruise is, how it works, and what it means for the future of driving.

What is Ford BlueCruise?
Ford BlueCruise is an available advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that allows for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways known as “Blue Zones." It builds on existing adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technologies, providing a more relaxed driving experience.

How Does BlueCruise Work?
BlueCruise uses a combination of cameras, radar, and GPS mapping data to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and the road ahead. Here's a breakdown of how it functions:
- 360° Perception: External sensors detect the environment around your vehicle, allowing BlueCruise to keep you centered in the lane at a set distance from other vehicles, and give you more space from vehicles in adjacent lanes. This situational awareness can provide an extra sense of security while you drive hands-free.
- High-Precision Mapping: Ford has mapped over 130,000 miles of highways across North America, identifying areas where BlueCruise is available. Smart mapping software uses your geolocation to determine if you are in a hands-free Blue Zone and can drive with your hands off the wheel. These maps are updated over the air to ensure you never miss a Blue Zone.
- Driver Monitoring: A fixed camera monitors the driver's attention, encouraging focus on the road even when their hands are not on the wheel. If the system detects that the driver is not paying attention, it will issue visual and audible alerts.
- In-Lane Repositioning and Lane Change Assist: Lane Change Assist uses the turn signal switch to indicate a desired lane change, it can also help determine if the path is clear and will actively/automatically perform the maneuver. In-Lane Repositioning enhances the available Ford BlueCruise experience and can help provide you comfort when driving alongside other vehicles by automatically adjusting your vehicle within the lane to give a bit of extra room where needed to keep you feeling confident on the road.
- Seamless Transitions: When entering a Hands-Free Blue Zone, the system notifies the driver that hands-free highway driving is available. The driver can then press the Adaptive Cruise Control button to activate BlueCruise, remove their hands from the steering wheel, and the vehicle will handle steering, acceleration, and braking. BlueCruise uses adaptive cruise control to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and employs lane-centering technology to keep the car within its lane. It also operates on cooperative steering, so if the driver does take the wheel while in hands-free mode, BlueCruise will stay engaged.
- Driver Prompts: If the system detects a situation that requires driver intervention, such as a sharp curve or a construction zone, drivers will be notified by visual prompts on their instrument cluster when they need to return their attention to the road or resume control of the vehicle.

Potential BlueCruise Benefits
- Reduced Driver Fatigue: By allowing drivers to take their hands off the wheel in certain conditions, BlueCruise can help reduce fatigue during long highway drives.
- Cooperative Steering: With BlueCruise, the vehicle is continuously monitoring the driver's attention while also maintaining safe distances from other vehicles on the road. If at any point it notices that the driver's gaze is away from the road for too long, it will alert you to take the wheel. Drivers can also take the wheel at any time while BlueCruise remains engaged, creating a more dynamic driving experience.
- Less Stress: Drivers can enjoy a more relaxed driving experience, whether on long road trips or daily commutes.

What Does the Future Hold?
Ford's BlueCruise represents a crucial milestone in the journey toward fully autonomous vehicles. As technology continues to advance, we can expect more features and capabilities to be integrated into systems like BlueCruise.

Ford BlueCruise is one of many new and exciting steps into the future of driving. With its focus on convenience and cutting-edge technology, BlueCruise is poised to change how we think about road travel. As Ford continues to refine and expand this technology, drivers can look forward to an even more seamless and enjoyable driving experience.