{"id":27149,"date":"2021-08-15T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-15T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/saudishopper.com.sa\/en\/?p=27149"},"modified":"2026-03-27T23:01:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T20:01:58","slug":"ford-recruits-robot-test-drivers-to-help-ensure-vehicles-are-ready-to-face-the-toughest-conditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/saudishopper.com.sa\/en\/ford-recruits-robot-test-drivers-to-help-ensure-vehicles-are-ready-to-face-the-toughest-conditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Ford Recruits Robot Test Drivers to Help Ensure Vehicles are Ready to Face the Toughest Conditions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Al Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 15 August 2021<\/strong> \u2013<\/em> Ford\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But so realistic is the simulated conditions that even the most experienced human test drivers may become tired or unwell, for example when undertaking altitude testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frank Seelig, Supervisor, Wind Tunnel Testing, Ford of Europe said: \u201cThese 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\u2019s seat, we can run tests through the night without ever having to worry that the driver will need a sandwich or a bathroom break.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"FordETCDrivingRobot_3\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How it works<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located in Cologne, Germany, Ford\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For human drivers, wind tunnel testing \u2013 in particular at high altitude \u2013 requires numerous safety protocols, such as having oxygen bottles, medical equipment, and a paramedic on-site, while driver health is constantly monitored.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"FordETCDrivingRobot_1\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Each robot test driver is able to operate at temperatures ranging from -40\u00b0C to +80\u00b0C as well as at extreme altitudes \u2013 and can be set up and programmed for different driving styles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The robot test driver\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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