Ford Invests in Atlanta with Innovative New Research Center

Ford’s recent technological advancements and research endeavors have been impressive, and the company isn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon. Research and development projects are being planned in the fields of artificial intelligence, university research and more. The Ford Atlanta Research and Innovation Center, or FARIC, was recently opened to be the home of these projects.

Other Ford research and development facilities dedicated to developing automated, connected and electrified vehicles are located in Tel Aviv and Palo Alto, and this new location in Atlanta will allow Ford to access one of the most diverse tech talent markets in the United States. The ability to bring in software experts from many different backgrounds will help Ford to create new generations of Ford vehicles that are more highly advanced than ever.

FARIC is Located in the new 8West development on Atlanta’s Upper West Side. At 24,000 square feet, the facility is designed to go above and beyond standard ADA compliance, creating a layout that is accessible, carefully designed, and will support inclusion, flexibility, collaboration and innovation.

The new workspace has been created to support individual needs while promoting creativity and collaboration. The open and accessible floor plan includes individual focus space, sit/stand desks, soft seating, and phone booth-style spaces perfect for taking calls or working independently. The meeting spaces are laid out as open collaboration spaces as opposed to conference rooms, with a learning stair for large meetings as well as the technology to incorporate virtual participants. The FARIC facility also features a garage space for hands-on problem-solving, and living-room-style seating for more casual interactions.

“We have learned so much over the last few years about flexible workspace and its power to inspire employees,” said Jennifer Kolstad, Ford’s global design & brand director. “We’ve created an environment at FARIC that allows individuals and teams to choose what kind of environment is most efficient in the moment.”

In addition to the opening of the research center, Ford’s next City:One Challenge will be coming to Atlanta. This crowd-sourcing platform, created by Ford, is intended to help address income inequality and safe and ready access to mobility. Since 2018, City:One has distributed more than $1 million in grant funding to 15 mobility pilots across the United States.

With City:One, Atlanta will be able to address systemic mobility issues, like inequity, accessibility, safety and sustainability, and identify targeted solutions. Ford is offering up to $150,000 in grants to startups and entrepreneurs who will create mobility solutions with Atlanta residents.

The program is sponsored by AT&T, Delta Air Lines, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Novelis, and will be administered in part by student fellows from local colleges and universities. Proposals will be accepted during May and June of next year with winners being chosen by December 2023. The new plans that result from this challenge are expected to deploy in Atlanta neighborhoods by the summer of 2024.

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