Ford and MSU to further push for lightweighting and autonomous tech

Ford Motor Company and Michigan State University (MSU) is strengthening their four-year research and development partnership, allowing the expanded collaborative alliance to develop a wide array of innovations with a focus on sensors, lightweight materials, autonomous technology and mobility. Ford and Michigan State have worked on advanced engines, composite materials and information technology.

Ed Krause, Ford global manager, external alliances, said, “Partnering with leading research universities like Michigan State is an important part of Ford’s strategy to access world-class external talent.”

Ford has revealed that since 2014, it has invested funds for research on more than 50 projects at Michigan State, including in areas such as powertrain, materials and electrification. Now, with a broader range of collaboration and research proposals, the expanded project portfolio will involve existing and new Michigan State faculty and students, as well as Ford researchers.

“This is a leading example of collaboration between industry and academia that demonstrates how MSU partnerships can both advance research and help develop innovative global solutions,” said Charles Hasemann, Michigan State University assistant vice president for innovation and economic development, MSU Innovation Center.

“Research collaborations like this one with Ford allow companies and MSU to share resources and expertise to solve real-world problems,” he added. “The novel outcomes from these collaborations advance knowledge and understanding, while also achieving a positive economic outcome for the company and for Michigan.”

As Ford continues to strengthen its core automotive business while developing emerging opportunities and new mobility solutions, the company believes its research alliance with Michigan State University can further develop its technical capabilities.

Krause concludes, “Not only have we been able to deepen relationships with longtime faculty collaborators, but we have also discovered and engaged new expertise and capability at Michigan State in both expected and unexpected areas.”