Spain - Workers at the OEM's engine assembly plant in Valencia, where they produce 2.0-litre EcoBoost Duratec engines, have started wearing special suits equipped with body tracking technology. The data obtained from these suits will then be used to design workstations so that they are less physically stressful and more efficient.
"It’s been proven on the sports field that with motion tracking technology, tiny adjustments to the way you move can have a huge benefit," commented Javier Gisbert, production area manager, Ford Valencia Engine Assembly Plant. "For our employees, changes made to work areas using similar technology can ultimately ensure that, even on a long day, they are able to work comfortably."
The suits have 15 light sensors attached to them that are connected to a wireless detection unit, while four motion-tracking cameras are placed near the worker. A variety of measurements are being taken from the employees, such as head and neck movement as well as arm reach.
Ford has said that it is now thinking of using the technology at its other European manufacturing facilities. The company recently invested in its Craiova plant in Romania and started building the EcoSport at its Naberezhenye Chelny plant in Russia.
