Ford has developed an innovative technology that allows cars to autonomously protect themselves from damage while parked. Parking often comes with the risk of inattentive drivers, cyclists, or even random obstacles, forcing owners to seek out culprits for scratches or dents using dashcams.
This is reported by Finway
Features of Ford’s patent: how the threat detection system works
Ford has received U.S. Patent No. US-12617393-B2 for the “Moving Object Detection System,” which enables a parked car to autonomously analyze its surroundings and respond to potential threats. The development was undertaken by engineers Erol Sumer, Smruti Panigrahi, and Ehsan Arabi. The patent was filed in December 2023, and its details were released in May 2026.
The system uses cameras and external sensors for continuous monitoring of the environment, identifying moving objects and calculating their trajectories. Each object is assigned a threat level based on the likelihood of a collision. If the car detects that the approach of another vehicle, cart, or cyclist could lead to a collision, it first issues visual and auditory warnings: flashing its lights and honking.
“If the warning does not alter the object’s trajectory, and a collision seems inevitable, the car will attempt to move to reduce the likelihood of an accident.”
At the same time, the system takes into account the presence of stationary obstacles, such as other cars, barriers, or poles, and determines whether there is room to maneuver. If avoiding a collision is not possible, the car automatically activates all cameras to document the incident.
Prospects for implementation and legal constraints
Ford has already implemented similar technologies in its vehicles equipped with a sensor suite for the operation of the second-level Blue Cruise system with contactless control capability. This indicates the availability of necessary technological solutions for the implementation of the new protection feature.
However, implementing such a system is associated with legal challenges, as vehicle movement without driver involvement is currently not regulated by existing legislation. This issue requires further consideration by regulators.
It should be noted that Ford is actively working on innovations in automotive technology. By the end of 2025, the company had already patented a method for automatic vehicle retreat to facilitate access to the trunk when the vehicle is parked too close to obstacles. Additionally, the unique Ford T5 sports car, released 60 years ago, has appeared on the U.S. market.