Ford dealership service technicians will soon be training to service and maintain the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E without having to get their hands on a mode thanks to new virtual reality training developed in partnership with Bosch. Other automakers, including Porsche, use this type of technology.
“Technicians will be immersed in a simulated and gamified world, meaning they won’t need to rely on actual Mustang Mach-E vehicles to learn about its components, including the electric SUV’s 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.”
While traditional service such as a tire change or headlamp replacement are relatively straightforward, technicians now have to deal with the Mustang Mach-E’s high-voltage battery system.
According to Ford, the training goes something like this: “A technician will learn how to diagnose and perform service related to the vehicle’s 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.”
The system uses an Oculus Quest virtual reality headset from Facebook.
That’s just the beginning. Bosch will develop extensions to the training program that utilize the same technology that will help them learn how to repair other parts of 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.”
Bosch’s version of the technology was proven in 2019 using market testing with instructors, technicians and college students. Ford is the first automaker to use this particular technology and has indicated that the Mustang Mach-E is the first of many vehicles the VR system will be utilized on.
