Ford Uses AI Technology to Simplify Trailer Hitching

Innovation and driving the automotive industry forward with technology is something that Ford has been known for since the company’s founding, and has continued into the present day. The F-Series trucks are a prime example of the kinds of advancements that Ford is capable of, with technology like Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Onboard scales, smart taillamps, and class-exclusive Smart Hitch making it easier to drive, tow, haul, and utilize these powerful trucks overall. With the power of AI technology, Ford is now introducing yet another feature to the ever-growing list– Pro Trailer Hitch Assist.

Even with the assistance of a spotter, hitching a truck and a trailer can be a time consuming challenge for all truck drivers, novice and experienced. Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is designed to use powerful AI technology to make that situation easier. Using the truck’s rear camera and corner radar, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist aligns the hitch with the trailer coupler, controling the truck’s speed, steering, and braking simultaneously to get the positioning just right and stop the truck in the correct location, so that hitching takes much less time and effort.

“Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is another smart solution to save time for our customers,” said John Emmert, Ford Truck general manager. “Instead of struggling to hitch a trailer alone or with a spotter, customers can now get hitched more confidently and on their way to the lake or a jobsite.”

With just the push of a button, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is activated and the process is shown on the truck’s large center screen display. The system detects the hitch ball, trailer, and coupler at distances of up to 20 feet and determines the optimal path for the truck to follow. The truck backs up to the trailer as the system’s computer vision detects both the hitch ball and trailer. The driver needs to verify that the coupler is positioned above the hitch ball, and then the control algorithms line everything up until the hitch ball is positioned directly beneath the trailer’s coupler, ready to be hitched.

With its efficiency and reduction of maneuvering mistakes caused by human error, Pro Trailer Hitch Assist is much quicker than traditional hitching. It provides convenience and confidence to drivers, allowing them to get on the road faster and with much less stress.

The Pro Trailer Hitch Assist technology is now available on the F-150 truck, the electric F-150 Lightning and the all-new F-Series Super Duty. If you’re interested in trying any of these trucks for yourself and getting a taste of the amazing Pro Trailer Hitch Assist technology, check out our available inventory online and see what we have!