This is how drones that save time in the factories of Ford look

Ford uses drones with GoPro cameras to carry out inspection work that previously involved overexertion and greater risk for its workers.

Imagine that a simple technological innovation suddenly allowed you to carry out arduous routine tasks in a tenth of the time it would normally take you, and without the risks of working at height. This is the case of Ford and its employees, who from today use drones (with built-in cameras) to inspect in a safe and efficient way the high gantries, pipes and roof areas at the Ford Engine Plant in Dagenham, United Kingdom.

Until now, this important maintenance work was carried out by several workers using automated extendable platforms and scaffolding to check high gantries up to 40 metres long that support the plant’s heavy machinery. Each area inspection could take 12 hours to complete.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=0Hls9PPJEiE

From today, the Ford maintenance team can thoroughly inspect each area in just 12 minutes thanks to drones equipped with GoPro cameras that they control from the ground. The entire production facility can be covered in a day, separating hard-to-reach areas to ensure they are properly maintained in compliance with rigorous safety standards.

“We used to have to climb to heights of up to 50 metres to carry out the necessary checks on the roof and machinery areas. Now we can cover the entire plant in a day and without the risk of team members working at dangerous heights,” says Pat Manning, machinery manager at the Dagenham Engine Plant.

With this time saving, the Dagenham team can carry out more frequent inspections, without having to shut down the facilities to erect the scaffolding previously required.

Ford’s drones are also used for inspection work on pipes, detecting air leaks and checking machinery. The company is currently evaluating the possibility of using this high-flying technology in other regions.