Ford CEO Jim Farley announced that the automaker's upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform will feature onboard computers that verify assembly connections. This internal verification system aims to catch errors immediately after a vehicle gains power, a departure from traditional off-the-line inspections. The move is part of Ford's broader strategy to improve quality control and simplify manufacturing, following a record number of recalls.
This new self-diagnostic assembly process for Ford's next-generation EVs aims to reduce manufacturing errors and recalls, potentially improving vehicle reliability and customer satisfaction. The simplification of parts and assembly steps could also lead to cost efficiencies for the automaker.
Ford is implementing a novel approach to quality control for its next generation of electric vehicles, integrating self-diagnostic capabilities directly into the car's onboard computer system. CEO Jim Farley revealed that vehicles built on the upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform will use their internal computers to verify assembly connections.
During an interview at Ford's Accelerate conference, Farley explained that this system allows the vehicle to "diagnose itself." Once the vehicle receives power after the painting process, its computer will inform workers if internal connections have been made correctly. This marks a significant shift from traditional manufacturing methods, which have historically relied on off-the-line inspections and external scanners to identify assembly errors.
Ford confirmed that external quality checks, including the use of cameras, will remain part of the assembly process. However, the internal verification represents a new layer of quality assurance for the UEV platform. The company has a strong incentive to improve its quality control, having issued a record 150 vehicle recalls last year. Ford has also been deploying internally developed scanners, AiTriz and MAIVs, which utilize machine learning and video streaming to detect minor misalignments.
Ford has emphasized simplification in its EV development, with the upcoming Fathom pickup truck, the first on the UEV platform, featuring 20% fewer parts, 25% fewer fasteners, and 40% fewer workstations. The Fathom will also be assembled using an "assembly tree" method, where major sections are built separately before being joined. Further details on the UEV assembly approach are expected in January.
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