Ford to train on the new Mustang using Bosch VR tech – Auto Service World

Ford is set to start using a VR solution developed by Bosch to train technicians on the new Mustang Mach-E.

Technicians will be able to see how the new all-electric vehicle works, and what they need to know about it, without even having a physical model in front of them.

The new training solution, developed by Bosch, uses virtual reality that is similar to playing video games. It isdesigned to teach technicians repair procedures using gamification to evaluate the effectiveness of learning.

Technicians will be immersed in a simulated and gamified world, meaning they wont need to rely on actual Mustang Mach-E vehicles to learn about its components, including the electric SUVs new high-voltage system, said Dave Johnson, director of Ford service engineering operations.

This new virtual reality training tool allows technicians to understand the components and steps required to service these high-voltage systems, then confidently perform diagnostics and maintenance.

Technicians will learn how to diagnose and perform service related to the vehicles high-voltage system wearing the virtual reality headset. This includes tasks such as removal and installation of the main battery as well as service and maintenance on the battery pack itself.

Bosch also is developing future extensions where the technicians utilize VR to enter the vehicle and navigate through modules as if they were walking through rooms to learn the system. Navigating between modules enables the technicians to determine the issue to repair the vehicle.

The virtual reality training solution is about new technology that builds efficiency, said Geoff Mee, director of operations for Bosch. By improving the diagnostic process, technicians are able to perform maintenance and make repairs faster and more easily.

This new virtual reality system can be used as an ongoing training tool, allowing technicians to learn niche skills in the Ford technical training program. Virtual reality training has the potential to attract new hires to the automotive repair world, rightly framing the profession as a high-tech, forward-thinking industry in which technicians can learn more efficiently in a state-of-the-art environment. Additionally, technicians can tap into the system from any location.

Bosch developed a proof of concept in 2019 for automotive service training via virtual reality, then market tested it with instructors, technicians and college students. Ford Motor Company is the first automaker to pilot the application in its service technician powertrain repair course, specifically with the all-new Mustang Mach-E, the companys first all-electric SUV. Ford could expand the technology to train on additional vehicles in the future.

The virtual reality training solution uses an Oculus Quest virtual reality headset from Facebook. Ford and Bosch are working with Oculus for Business to manage their fleet of headsets deployed to the Ford technician training program, as well as with PIXO VR. The companys proprietary virtual reality content distribution platform enables scaling and iterating virtual reality training software and applications.

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Ford to train on the new Mustang using Bosch VR tech - Auto Service World