Ford Turns To Robots For Intense Vehicle Testing

Ford uses the “built Ford tough” slogan a lot, however to reach a point where the automaker feels their vehicles are truly tough, they test them … using robots.

In order to be “Ford Tough” Ford’s vehicles have to prove their mettle at the Romeo, Michigan Ford testing grounds. As Dave Payne vehicle development operations manager for Ford told the Detroit News, “It’s definitely intense. This testing is our final sign-off on if we can call a vehicle ‘Ford Tough.’ It has to get through these grilling durability test before we put that stamp of approval on it.”

Ford has been using robots to remotely control its vehicles at the Romeo proving ground since 2012. The thought process is that people would not do as well in a vehicle being driven though hard over large potholes and steel grates. Ford actually tries to simulate 10 years of wear in into just a few months of tough testing. The efforts on the part of Ford to push its vehicles to the limit shouldn’t be confused with a simple self driving test. The interior of the vehicle is filled with wires and testing equipment in order to measure the damage incurred to the car or truck.

The latest news on Ford’s testing is the automaker’s decision to share some of what it has learned with its competitors. “When it comes to safety, there’s some sharing that goes on,” Payne explained. This is something that will make their drivers safe as well. We don’t share product information, but we share a lot of the lessons learned on how to operate safely.”

The effort of the part of Ford is to push its vehicles to the limit in order to make certain that they will hold up over time. How would you rate testing done by automakers? What more would you like automakers to do in order to ensure a safe and long-lasting product?