Ford Robots Are Ready to Help, We Hope
Moving one step closer to robots taking over our lives, Ford and the engineers at Autonomous Solutions Inc. are making their new robotic technology available to all automotive manufacturers. What does this mean? That robotic technology could make durability test drivers obsolete.
During the testing phase of a new pickup truck or car, engineers put the vehicle through severe chassis, body and overall durability tests, typically done with a human behind the wheel of a preproduction test vehicle. Depending on the number of miles the automaker wants to accrue, we've heard as many as seven or eight drivers are required to conduct the most punishing tests — some of which need to be run 24 hours a day. But that could be changing.
Because now the same robotic software Ford used to do durability testing on the current-generation Transit, Transit Connect, F-150 and coming 2017 Super Duty also can be used by other manufacturers for a licensing fee.
The obvious benefit of using robotics to conduct the roughest vehicle tests is that the technology can more accurately repeat and execute just about any test, no matter the surface or other conditions. With the aid of cameras and complex software programs, engineers can monitor and control the vehicles over a programmed course, making slight adjustments as needed. And they can repeat those procedures over and over, compressing as many as 10 years of punishing wear and tear into a single test event.
Of course, it's nice that Ford is making this technology available to other manufacturers, but if by some chance the robots start making their own decisions, we'll know who to hold responsible. We'll have to wait and see.
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Comments
Nope.
We should just get rid of cars trucks and SUVs and everyone could just ride the bus.
"can be used by other manufacturers for a licensing fee."
I bet that fee is rather substantial.
I sure would like to see Ram take ford up on the offer. They could use some improved durability testing based on the experiences I've had.
Yeah right, Ford did “durability testing” on the Ecoboost when it first came out and they didn't catch the condensation issue. That engine didn’t make it 2 years before the TSB/Recall came rolling out to fix the issue.
Ford didn’t catch the Raptor power steering issues either, or the CV boot issues during these so called “durability testing”.
Ford also didn't catch the 6.7 Powerstroke's internal destructing design that cracked valves and basically created a 100k disposable diesel engine.
Ford ended up fixing the majority of the issues, but these should have been caught in the "durability testing" since they certify them as "Ford Tough".
What a joke!
Very Innovate, unlike other incompetent Truck Makers
"Of course, it's nice that Ford is making this technology available to other manufacturers, but if by some chance the robots start making their own decisions, we'll know who to hold responsible. We'll have to wait and see."
I agree, what if all other truck makers inadvertently begin developing a BETTER truck, it will be FORD's fault.
How sweet of ford to want to help other manufacturers. I'm sure ford will check for viruses and spyware and malicious bugs before they lend em out.
Good idea,
let robots do all the work and people will be unemployed,,geniuses indeed
🚽🚯😂
Junk!
Good idea,
let robots do all the work and people will be unemployed,,geniuses indeed
🚽🚯😂
Posted by: Chevrolet builds a better way to see a USA | Nov 6, 2015 5:56:54 PM
Just like assembly lines. Can only trust humans for the small stuff.
FYI this has been out for at least 2 years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckjiFFpRn4Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L9l6Wobg0A
It's good to see robotics making headway.
One day all of the drudgery and onerous jobs become robotic. I can't wait for this future.
Once upon a time there were people who made everything by hand. People couldn't afford much as the costs to produce products by hand was expensive.
................then someone invented the printing press. People from all walks of life learnt to read and learnt new skills.
Then one day someone invented the loom for weaving. The many naked people had cheap clothes and in the winter could afford to keep warm.
Then another guy invented the steam engine. An innovative person used the steam power to generate electricity.
Thomas Edison used a piece of carbonised banana peel to make the first electric light.
Some found out that electricity could power electric motors.
Electric motors made many jobs redundant. But the Luddite similar to the comments above didn't realise that mass production gave humans more time to expand into newer industries and businesses.
Many people became wealthier because the Luddites didn't win out over the progressive in our society.
Luddites fear. Luddites fear, fear, the unknown. Because they are simple and lazy.
They don't want to change because of fear. Unions are fearful and use fear to retain power.
Imagine 150 years ago telling someone what society and what is available today would be like. You'd be locked up in a rubber room.
.................................................. but, rubber was scarce then as well.
Progress is the way for humans.
greg and johnnie doe boy...they only joke and junk on here are you guys and that generic motors comp. you 2 fan boys are so proud of
Yep. Says a lot about you and greg don't it johnny blowhard.
If the TTP makes it, will the US get this?
It is radical looking.
Not much info on it. I wonder why PUTC didn't pick this up?
http://www.caradvice.com.au/387226/proton-pick-up-ute-concept-revealed-in-malaysia/?plista
It would undoubtedly sell in au, not so much here. May be based off a car with a bed attached, similar to the outgoing commodore and falcon car/truck vehicles. Expect it to have similar ridiculous payload #'s.
It may sound great on paper but I don't believe for one minute that a robot can effectively pick up on everything a human could. For example how is a robot going to duplicate and pick up on normal interior wear and tear issues in real world testing such as durability of interior materials, interior hardware and those annoying rattles that can develop over time?
It may sound great on paper but I don't believe for one minute that a robot can effectively pick up on everything a human could. For example how is a robot going to duplicate and pick up on normal interior wear and tear issues in real world testing such as durability of interior materials, interior hardware and those annoying rattles that can develop over time?
Posted by: about that | Nov 7, 2015 9:35:18 AM
Common sense tells you that it is obvious that a robot is not used for rattle location. Plus with the installation of the robot and electronics there will be some extra noise generated in the cabin. So at least to me it is logical that they are burning time for durability testing of other components like suspension or whatever over rough terrain for long periods of time. It is much better to use an automated device for this vs putting a human in risk of neck or back injury from long seat time in a rough terrain environment. Just like crash test dummies. Certain conditions are better suited for certain tests.
I've been a proponent of robotics since it became possible to have robots do the work for us.
And with some fine tuning and more precise programming, more and better sensors, I believe it is possible that robotics can replace human beings for a lot more tasks that humans do, even sensing wear and tear, or finding rattles.
The improvements in auto-assembly alone have replaced the human factor for a lot of tasks. And that was a good thing. Robots can work around the clock, without stoppage, unions, or complaining.
I say, "three cheers for robotics!"
Is it just coincidence that since Ford started using robots its reliability ratings started going down?
Like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xjPwBJPqaA. Fords reliability rating mostly went down because Sync was hard to use. Actually nothing to do with reliability. From what I've heard FCA needs to use seat durability testing on their trucks. Maybe dash as well.
Tom, sync wasnt really an issue with being hard to use but for locking up, slow function, and blue tooth connection issues. Since the latest software update reliability has increase substantialy. Cell phone issues still occur and sync seems to be blamed for it but in reality it is a phone issue and not sync. Sometimes your cell phone just needs to be restarted.
Highdesertcat the proponent of Robotics, So you are one of those guys that want people to be in the unemployment line. That is sad !
Ford trucks are made so sh***y and ride like a** they need robots to test it HAHAHA! The china seats and hard plastics every where beat the driver up too. Yeah its sad ford trucks are so sh***y build now they need robots to test drive the junk!
Can't wait for the thousands of recalls to roll in from their crappy robot testing.
'but if by some chance the robots start making their own decisions, we'll know who to hold responsible.'
'Also, there is still a chance for human error if the physician incorrectly programs the robot prior to surgery.'
'Surgeries that last for hours can cause even the best surgeons to experience hand fatigue and tremors, whereas robots are much steadier and smoother.'
Benefits:
The goal of using robots in medicine is to provide improved diagnostic abilities, a less invasive and more comfortable experience for the patient, and the ability to do smaller and more precise interventions.
http://allaboutroboticsurgery.com/surgicalrobots.html
Set Fire To Your Mustang, the 2016 Chevy Camaro SS is King: Review
https://www.yahoo.com/autos/s/set-fire-mustang-2016-chevy-camaro-ss-king-170032910.html
LMAO!
This is what Ford considers "punishing" for its trucks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6953A7awJJs
Hows the poor robot going to jump out of a burning f-series lol
That would be a sacrificial robot. It gave its all for the cause.
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