Ford Motor Co. announced plans to collaborate with the University of Michigan and State Farm to further develop automated driving and other advanced technologies. They will use a Ford Fusion Hybrid automated research vehicle to test current and future sensing systems and driver-assist technologies.

Ford is already among the leaders in offering driver-assist technologies in its vehicles, including the Ford Fusion, Ford Escape and Ford Explorer.

The new project reflects Ford’s previously announced Blueprint for Mobility initiative, which envisions a radically different transportation landscape where pedestrian, bicycle, private car, commercial and public transportation traffic are woven into a connected network. The overarching objective is to save time, conserve resources, lower emissions and improve safety.