Ford is continuing to explore innovative ways to enhance driving comfort and efficiency, with its latest patent introducing a clever twist on windshield wiper technology. The newly published patent outlines a wiper control system that could activate based on where the driver is looking, potentially reducing unnecessary wear and extending the lifespan of wipers.

Filed on February 26, 2024, and published on August 28, 2025, this patent describes a system that uses cameras to capture both the vehicle’s interior and its external environment. Unlike traditional rain-sensing wipers that adjust speed based on rainfall intensity, Ford’s proposed system would only activate when the driver is actively looking out the windshield. This means that if the vehicle is stationary and the driver isn’t focused forward, the wipers could pause to conserve energy and prevent excess use.

This concept builds on Ford’s recent flurry of wiper-related innovations, which include ideas for automated windshield wipers and systems that notify drivers when blades need replacement. Together, these advancements highlight Ford’s commitment to blending practicality with cutting-edge technology to make everyday driving more intuitive.

While it remains uncertain if this gaze-based wiper system will reach production vehicles, it underscores Ford’s forward-thinking approach to vehicle design. By linking driver behavior with smart vehicle responses, the company continues to explore ways to enhance both comfort and long-term vehicle durability.