Ford introduces Inspection Drones to keep Engine Plant workers safe
Photo Credit To Ford Motor Company

Ford introduces Inspection Drones to keep Engine Plant workers safe

Ford introduces Inspection Drones to keep Engine Plant workers safe

Imagine if a simple innovation suddenly allowed you to carry out an arduous – but essential – chore in a tenth of the time it would normally take and without the safety risks of working at height. That’s been the case for Ford employees who are now using cameras mounted on Inspection Drones to safely and efficiently inspect high-rise gantries, pipework and roof areas at the company’s Dagenham Engine Plant in the UK.

Previously, the team carried out this important maintenance work by using automated extendable platforms and scaffolding to check 40-metre-long gantries that support the plant’s heavy machinery. Each inspection area would take a laborious 12 hours to complete.

Ford introduces Inspection Drones to keep Engine Plant workers safe

Now, with feet firmly on the ground and controlling drones equipped with GoPro cameras, maintenance staff can thoroughly inspect each area in just 12 minutes. The whole production facility can be covered in a day, zoning in on hard-to-reach areas to ensure they are well-maintained and comply to rigorous safety standards.

“We’d joked about having a robot do the work when there was a lightbulb moment – use drones instead,” said Pat Manning, machining manager, Ford Dagenham Engine Plant. “We used have to scale heights of up to 50 metres to do the necessary checks on the roof and machining areas. Now we can cover the entire plant in one day and without the risk of team members having to work at dangerous heights.”

Ford introduces Inspection Drones to keep Engine Plant workers safe

With the time saved, the team at Dagenham can carry out more frequent inspections, without having to shut facilities to construct the scaffolding that was once necessary.

Ford’s drones are also set to work inspecting pipework, locating air leaks and checking machinery. The company is now evaluating the possibility of using this high-flying technology in other regions.

Post source : Ford Motor Company

About The Author

Anthony has worked in the construction industry for many years and looks forward to bringing you news and stories on the highways industry from all over the world.

Related posts