Ford releases open-source kit that allows drivers to hack their cars

Ford releases open-source kit that allows drivers to hack their cars

Company ushers in era of smart car apps with major move

Ford has released an open-source hardware and software toolkit called OpenXC, a research platform based on partner Bug Labs’ open-source “Bug System”. It will empower developers with the ability to prototype and test ideas for affordable new connectivity concepts that could enhance Ford’s future vehicles.

Or, in layman’s terms, it allows the growing hacker community to mess around with the computer systems that run modern-day cars.

Ford has released its OpenXC toolkit.

“Ford is committed to innovating with the help of software and now hardware developers,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford vice president and chief technical officer.& #8220;By connecting cars and trucks to wireless networks, and giving unheard-of access to vehicle data, entirely new application categories and hardware modules can be explored — safety, energy efficiency, sharing, health; the list goes on. OpenXC gives developers and researchers the tools they need to get involved.”

Opening up OpenXC

Right now, OpenXC includes a vehicle interface module based on the Arduino platform that allows developers to read data from the vehicle’s internal communications network. Specifically, the kit’s hardware module provides real-time access to a bevy of parameters, including the car’s sensors, GPS receiver, and vehicle speed, all of which can be read via smartphone / tablet apps.

The whole idea behind a read-only system is to keep everything isolated from the vehicle control systems& #8212; for now at least.

“Through the OpenXC platform, we are paving the way for new opportunities that will help us prepare for the future of transportation where the automobile, mobile networks and the Internet cloud come together in ways never before imagined,” said Venkatesh Prasad, senior technical leader of Open Innovation for Ford Research and Innovation.

“OpenXC is an extension of the work being done at the Ford Silicon Valley Lab focusing on big data, open-source innovation and user experience,” added Mascarenas. “We are enabling independent developers to flesh out their ideas using affordable and accessible hardware and software tools.”

A kit like this was only a matter of time. Most modern-day cars are run by computers, which control everything from the engine to the windshield wipers to the headlights. Until now, though, the driver has had limited access to this computer other than data streaming for things like the radio, fuel level, engine revolutions, and car speed.

Now, by way of this kit, a driver will be able to download approved apps from a Ford store onto their smartphone that allows them to communicate directly with their car’s computer system, and even improve the car’s economy and performance (e.g. adjust the brightness of the headlights and length of time that the interior lights stay on after exiting the vehicle in order to lengthen the life of the car’s battery).

Security issues

As with any open source toolkit, this product will attract the attention of hackers with bad intentions. For instance, a car’s sensor readings might be hacked to give drivers false information like, say, the amount of gas the car has left, or the speed at which the vehicle is traveling. Looking down the road a bit, an app that might eventually be created is one to control a car’s locks. Well, something like this might give thieves a new way to break into the vehicle.

Ford is aware of these issues and it should be noted that the manufacturer will likely not approve any apps for their store that pose a risk to the vehicle owner.

Outlook

Looking big picture, OpenXC can work with any make of car. In fact, Toyota, Nissan, and Honda have already expressed an interest in the kit — it’s just a matter of their providing access to parts so that the toolkit can be modified to meet the specific needs of each vehicle model.

General Motors, meanwhile, announced a program similar to Ford at the International Consumer Electronics Show this past month, with their intentions being to open up their cars to third-party app developers in the near future.

How to hack your car

Get your open-source hardware and software toolkits at http://openxcplatform.com& #9632;

Story via: ford.com