A MOTHER’S DAY WISH: NO ITEMS LEFT BEHIND

Parent and children will both find Family One to be a functional and fun people mover.

SUMMARY:

A conceptual Ford technology called Family Works could help busy mothers (and fathers) keep their families organized and on-schedule – and significantly reduce busy-mom stress.

Family Works is based on a current in-vehicle technology, Ford Work SolutionsTM Tool Link – a radio frequency identification system that tracks tools and equipment for the commercial customer.

When paired with proper sensors, Family Works also adds to safety. It can help ensure that a child safety seat is properly secured and tensioned.

CONTEXT / BACKGROUND:

According to a 2007 survey of 1,990 mothers conducted by KIWI Magazine, running errands is third – behind doing laundry and preparing meals – of time-consuming family chores.

Not surprisingly, 79 percent of mothers surveyed said they wanted more “me-time.” Without it, stress takes a toll. Consider that 39 percent of mothers surveyed admitted to driving away with a forgotten item left on the roof of their vehicle.

Ford’s family-oriented application of existing technology can make a mother’s life easier and reduce a bit of stress in the meantime. The Family Works application of Tool Link can help families keep track of misplaced or forgotten items such as a homework folder, a dance bag or a juvenile diabetes insulin meter.

When paired with appropriate sensors, the Family Works application also can help ensure that a child safety seat is appropriately attached and tensioned. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2005 LATCH study finds that almost 40 percent of child safety seats in use are improperly attached, making this a critical feature.

DETAILS:

Ford Work Solutions™ is a collection of technologies – available today – created to provide Ford commercial truck and van customers with connectivity, flexibility and security to better manage their businesses.

Tool Link, a Ford Work Solutions technology, uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking devices to maintain an inventory of tools and equipment carried in the vehicle’s cargo area. This system was developed in partnership with DeWALT™, a market leader in power tools, and ThingMagic, an industry expert on embedded RFID technology.

At the 2009 New York International Auto Show in April, Ford unveiled the Family One concept vehicle. Based on the soon- to-market Transit Connect, a compact van for small business owners, Family One was designed for families with young children.

The Family One concept shows the possibilities of the in-vehicle tracking and sensory technology. When a child enters the vehicle without a previously tagged backpack or trumpet case, the driver receives an on-screen notification and text message. Eliminating all of those frustrating “turn backs” not only relieves stress, but saves money at the pump.

Should the toddler’s safety seat be improperly secured or tensioned, mom receives another on-screen notification and text message. This is critical, given that 40 percent of child safety seats are improperly secured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2005 LATCH study.

QUOTES:

“The Family Works RFID application will make life easier for mothers and their families.”

– Bill Frykman, Product and Business Development Manager, Ford Work Solutions