Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
Ford Motor Co.’s commercial fleet customers now have access to a new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot within the Ford Pro Telematics Software platform that can help provide information faster, flag maintenance needs sooner and suggest tips for greater efficiency.
AI has become the fastest-adopted technology with chatbots increasingly being used by the public and businesses. Nearly 70% of businesses and organizations have adopted AI chatbots or virtual agents, according to software review platform G2. Ford Pro AI offers a specialized chatbot with proprietary data sets from the Dearborn automaker to help fleet managers oversee their vehicles and grow the usefulness of the subscription-based, high-margin telematics product.
“Ford Pro AI is built to extend human capability, not replace it, by bringing responsible, fleet-specific intelligence to help solve real-world problems,” Kevin Dunbar, general manager for Ford Pro Intelligence, said during a virtual briefing. “Ford Pro AI takes the millions of data points commercial vehicles can generate, from seatbelt clicks to vehicle health signals, and turns them into insights that fleet managers can use to act quickly.”
In a matter of seconds, fleet managers can get an explanation for why a dashboard light is on, get recommendations for how to improve fuel efficiency and access a list of vehicles that need maintenance this month. The AI, however, is not capable of scheduling that service. But getting those answers quickly frees time for business owners and fleet managers to do other tasks.
Ford introduced the tool, which is built off Alphabet Inc.’s Google Cloud and comes at no additional cost to telematics subscribers, at Work Truck Week on Tuesday in Indianapolis. Dunbar declined to share the particular AI model the company uses.
“It has saved me time by pulling up important vehicle data and summaries on demand,” Mackenzie Meis, who manages more than 2,000 vehicles for CentiMark, a commercial roofing company, said in a statement provided by Ford after testing of Ford Pro AI. “If an office has a question, I can have an answer for them in minutes.”
Ford Pro software subscriptions grew by 30% last year to more than 840,000 as the company introduced tracking for non-vehicle equipment, increased reporting such as on inspection histories and geofencing, expanded in-vehicle controls, and achieved a global data security certification. Dunbar said Ford Pro AI will build off that growth.
Ford Pro Intelligence, the cloud-based platform behind Ford’s software offering, now monitors and analyzes more than 1 billion data points daily from internet-connected commercial vehicles. Since 2023, the number of Ford Pro connected commercial vehicles on the road has grown by more than 40% to 5.2 million around the globe.
Also at Work Truck Week, Ford shared details of model year 2027 Super Duty trucks, whose orders will open this spring. The lineup includes expanding the Tremor off-road package to all models and adds the Platinum trim option to chassis cabs. Ford’s Super Duty collaboration with Dearborn-based workwear brand Carhartt Inc. also will debut this spring.
bnoble@detroitnews.com
@BreanaCNoble
