Press release
19KB
august 11, 2021 - Ford
Ford Recruits Robot Test Drivers to Help Ensure Vehicles are Ready to Face the Toughest Conditions
Ford’s state-of-the-art Weather Factory has never been busier. Used to simulate a range of extreme conditions under one roof, it has enabled engineers to test vehicles in a way that is less impacted by travel limitations than real-world testing.
But so realistic are the simulated conditions that even the most experienced human test drivers may become tired or unwell, for example when undertaking altitude testing.
Now, #ford has recruited two #robot test drivers, nicknamed by the team as Shelby and Miles *, to help take the strain, especially on altitude tests where a key requirement can be that the test is replicated perfectly multiple times.
How it works
Located in Cologne, Germany, Ford’s Weather Factory helps ensure drivers can rely on vehicles that have endured conditions that are found in the Sahara Desert, in Siberia, and atop the tallest Alpine peaks.
For human drivers, wind tunnel testing – in particular at high altitude – requires numerous safety protocols, such as having oxygen bottles, medical equipment and a paramedic on-site, while driver health is constantly monitored.
Each #robot test driver is able to operate at temperatures ranging from -40°C to +80°C as well as at extreme altitudes – and can be set up and programmed for different driving styles.
The #robot test driver’s legs extend to the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals, with one arm positioned to change gear and the other used to start and stop the engine.
Ford continues to conduct real-world testing in European locations and across the world, including the Grossglockner mountain in Austria and the snowy Arjeplog region in Sweden.
Quotes
“These two new drivers are fantastic additions to the team, as they can take on the challenging endurance tests at high altitudes and in hot temperatures. Once the #robot is in the driver’s seat, we can run tests through the night without ever having to worry that the driver will need a sandwich or a bathroom break.”
Frank Seelig, supervisor, Wind Tunnel Testing, #ford of Europe
Links
Video: https://youtu.be/ozL4CkniZq0
FordETCDrivingRobot 2
1920x1080, 753KB
FordETCDrivingRobot 3
1920x1080, 912KB
FordETCDrivingRobot 4
1920x1080, 1MB
FordETCDrivingRobot 1
1920x1080, 1009KB
Related news |
||
|
|
|
april 12, 2024
|
april 02, 2024
|
march 26, 2024
|
|
M-Sport Ford World Rally Team is set up to tackle the FIA World Rally Championship's first full asphalt event of the 2024 season. ... |
After delivering a masterclass in surviving the toughest rally of the World Rally Championship, Adrien Fourmaux and Alex Coria cla... |
NICE, France, March 26, 2024 – Adventurer Lexie Alford (@LexieLimitless) today set the official record of being the first person t... |
Download all 
You might be interested in |
||
|
|
|
february 26, 2024
|
february 19, 2024
|
february 09, 2024
|
|
Available to order starting Feb. 27, optional new Matte Clear Film can be applied to any currently available Mustang paint color t... |
After a stunning weekend-long display from M-Sport's rising star, Adrien Fourmaux and co-driver Alexandre Coria claim their maiden... |
After an impressive start to the season on the opening round at Rallye Monte-Carlo, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team re-centres itsel... |
Italian 
Download all 
Share
Share via mail 
Automotive
Sport
Events
Art&Culture
Design
Fashion&Beauty
Food&Hospitality
Technology
Nautica
Racing
Excellence
Corporate
OffBeat
Green
Gift
Pop
Heritage
Entertainment
Health & Wellness