A complicated driving simulator helps Ford Motor Co. push out new automobiles extra effectively.
The simulator in Dearborn, Mich., which helped carry the Maverick and F-150 Lightning to market, makes use of rFpro, a driving simulation software program, and lidar by scanning roads to the millimeter to create an immersive expertise for the motive force, a Ford official mentioned.
“We use the simulator to refine every little thing earlier than we even construct a prototype. All the pieces from the suspension, structure, structure, primary tuning, even beginning to develop all of the experience dealing with traits, we did that within the simulator,” mentioned Louis Jamail, Ford’s core strategies and simulator supervisor.
“As soon as we go to the prototype stage, we have been in a position to switch all that information into the bodily prototype and do a lot much less tuning and adjustments. That saves each money and time. And it additionally helps us to ship a extra centered product from the start.”
Ford simulation technical knowledgeable Robert Rieveley mentioned the gadget’s motion capabilities additionally give it a bonus over different simulators.
“The simulator really strikes ahead and backward, and we’re allowed to maneuver inside our working envelope. In order that motion really offers you that acceleration-deceleration area. Bigger simulators do exist, however this for us was an ideal alternative for engineering worth,” Rieveley mentioned.
Initially beginning as a racing simulator much like the Ford Performance simulator in Charlotte, N.C., the Dearborn simulator has advanced to duplicate street automobiles, Jamail mentioned.
“We began this simulator journey as an organization again in 2016. We have grown the expertise since then. We have partnered up with Ford Efficiency during the last a number of years to make use of their simulator in Charlotte,” Jamail mentioned. “Since then, we have tailored the simulator to all of our manufacturing and mainstream merchandise. It isn’t only a racing [simulator] anymore.”
Ford also can now carry shoppers in to simulate driving in a car, enabling beneficial suggestions, Rieveley mentioned.
“We’re in a position to carry actual prospects in and get the voice of the client, what do they consider what we’re designing, how can we enhance it, after which we begin how we develop and validate our options,” Rievely mentioned. “We are able to actually discover the house and see how our options and the way individuals react in these eventualities. And we’re in a position to do it effectively and safely.”
The simulator shall be essential in persevering with to get Ford automobiles to shoppers, Jamail mentioned.
“I feel it is going to be fairly massive. We are able to use this throughout the board,” Jamail mentioned. “This can be a actually beneficial instrument as a result of it requires no bodily constructing; we will simply take a look at it in digital house.”
