Ford's 110-Year-Old Train Station Humming With Cutting-Edge Tech: Hear The Drones Buzz?

Automotive giant Ford Motor Company F is among the companies that are testing the use cases for drones.

Here's a look at the latest developments at the automotive company.

What Happened: Ahead of its third quarter earnings report and a tentative agreement with the UAW for the ongoing strike against three leading automotive companies, another news narrative may emerge for Ford.

A new report from The Verge says Ford is testing drone deliveries in Michigan. The tests are being conducted at Michigan Central, an old train station the company is upgrading after purchasing the building in 2018.

The abandoned 110-year-old train station is part of Ford's growth plans, with the structure being rehabbed into an innovation and technology hub.

Michigan Central, a Ford subsidiary, announced a partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to test drones at the location to deliver medicine, food, and other items to residents who live near the building.

The tests will be completed in a newly named area called Detroit's Advanced Aerial Innovation Region, which is a three-mile radius around Central Station. Under the partnership with MDOT, drones can be tested in the area to make deliveries to homes and apartment buildings. The drones can also be used for tasks like building inspections.

Related Link: Future Of Food Delivery, Cathie Wood's Ark Investment Sees Drones As Game Changers

Why It's Important: Not known for being a player in the drones field, Ford could have a new business line in a field that is expected to grow. According to The Verge, the drone industry is projected to be worth $50 billion by 2030.

The testing of drones continues to show the use cases for the purchase of the abandoned train station. Ford also plans to utilize the building for tests of self-driving cars and other technology.

Benzinga reported earlier this year that Ford had a new patent published. The patent covers the use of drones that would provide roadside assistance, like connecting jumper cables to a car.

Five years ago, Ford initiated a drone department, and the latest patent coupled with advancements at Michigan Central underscore the company’s commitment to exploring this technology.

Read Next: UAW President: Tentative Agreement With Ford Reached

Photo: Shutterstock