Ford's renowned BlueCruise self-driving system is nearing a milestone of level 3 autonomy, according to its CEO, Jim Farley; this massive progress will soon allow drivers to do more while driving. That being said, Ford is not yet ready to open this experience for public testing, which would have to wait for now. 

This level of autonomy is a massive development for Ford, particularly with the BlueCruise, which had previously seen recognition for what it had to offer. 

Ford's BlueCruise is 'Close' to Level 3 Autonomy, Says CEO

Ford CEO Jim Farley recently revealed in an interview that its BlueCruise advanced driver-assist system (ADAS) has already reached level 3 autonomy. However, this is still within the company's internal testing, which it is currently carrying out with unknown models from its lineup, and it is close to being available to public drivers soon. 

Farley regarded the company and its development of BlueCruise as getting "really close" with its current prototypes, but the company is now met with a dilemma. 

This is carrying out the level 3 autonomy testing in a "cost-effective way," which the company seeks to achieve. 

Read Also: NTSB Probes 2 Fatal Crashes Involving Ford's BlueCruise Hands-Free Driver-Assist System

Public Testing For BlueCruise is Not Yet Happening

Farley teased that Ford cars may very well be like one's office, where they may do other tasks while driving, thanks to level 3 autonomy, which would be hands and eyes off. However, it was later revealed by the Ford CEO that it is not yet available for public testing now, claiming that the technology is still two years before it makes it to passenger vehicles, with 2026 being its expected release.

Ford's BlueCruise Self-Driving System

Ford's BlueCruise system has been a massive development for the company on its take for a self-driving system available on several vehicles under the brand but still under testing. It previously drew comparisons to Tesla's Full-Self Driving (FSD), and back in 2021, critics claimed that it was inferior to Musk's technology as it relied on pre-mapping. 

However, over the years, Ford has improved BlueCruise for drivers to enjoy, and the cars equipped with it, while not yet permitting a fully hands-free operation, are already doing wonders, one step at a time. Previously, it was able to deliver an automatic lane change feature for BlueCruise drivers, as well as predictive speed assist, and lastly, in-lane repositioning under the tech. 

The advanced driver-assist system from Ford is becoming a standard for its vehicles, but its full use will be available in the future for patrons to take advantage of on roads. Now, Farley teases an upcoming milestone for BlueCruise with level 3 autonomy that will offer hands and eyes off driving to Ford owners in the future, but testing and its arrival would have to wait. 

Related Article: Ford BlueCruise is Only Available via Subscription, Autonomous Driving Tech to Come Standard