New Virtual Lab Improves Ford Global Vehicle Quality

Ford Motor Company engineers all over the world are creating vehicles in a new way, in an ultrahigh definition, virtual reality space. Like a Second life Game (a popular online 3D virtual world) but with ultrahigh definition, engineers and designers at ford experience a car the way a consumer would in a showroom. Using a totally immersive virtual space allows them to create visuals almost indistinguishable from a real car, and results in improved vehicle quality and craftsmanship. This more dynamic, precision-oriented work environment is already delivering improvements for the customer, as seen, for example, in specific features of the new Ford Fusion and all-new Ford Mustang.

OneShift Editorial Team

16 Dec 2013

This new virtual, global technology was also applied to development of the all-new Ford Mustang. After viewing the car with virtual reality technology, craftsmanship engineers were able to change the fit and finish of Mustang’s dashboard and windshield wipers so that the wipers are hidden from the driver’s view when they are at rest. Eliminating exposed fasteners allowed the engineers to create a finished look and a richer perception of quality.

Ford is the first automaker to pioneer this technology globally, allowing engineers around the world to work together on the same product at the same time. Ford has virtual labs around the world. In addition to an Australia facility, collaboration centers in Germany, China, India and Brazil opened in 2012. A new collaboration center in Mexico is up and running as of this year.

“We now have Ford designers and engineers around the world working together virtually – inside and side-by-side – on the same product,” said Elizabeth Baron, Ford virtual reality and advanced visualization technical specialist. “By using this technology, designers and engineers can quickly transition from one car design proposal to another, and they can study and identify which is the best option.”

Credits: Oneshift News Team