Ford Simulators Can Run Ten Times More Tests in One-Tenth of the Time
Ford's simulator program can run ten times more tests in one-tenth the time, cutting development from months to days.
- 10x more tests in 1/10th time
- 1 day = 6 months
What Happened
6 months of real-world testing in 1 day
Virtual simulations accelerate vehicle development.
The simulator can test in controlled conditions that are impossible in the real world, such as a perfectly flat and straight highway. Engineers can switch environments instantly, repair virtual damage with a button press, and run the same test under identical conditions regardless of weather or temperature. The simulator team validates all testing against real-world outcomes to ensure accuracy.
“If we run virtual tests, we want the same answer and information we get at the race track.”
Why this matters
Ford's virtual testing allows faster, more controlled, and more comprehensive vehicle testing than real-world methods, enabling quicker development and better quality.
Terms in This Story
- ADAS
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems; technologies that assist with driving tasks like lane keeping and adaptive cruise control.
- BlueCruise
- Ford's hands-free highway driving system that allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel on certain roads.
- Vehicle Dynamics
- The study of how a vehicle responds to driver inputs and road conditions, affecting handling, ride, and stability.
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