AI is Revolutionizing Ford’s Operations: A Global Transformation

Mike Amend, Ford’s Chief Enterprise Technology Officer, recently visited India to inaugurate the new tech center. He emphasized the importance of such centers due to the profound impact AI and digital technologies are having on businesses like Ford. "AI is affecting every part of our business," Amend stated.
The Bengaluru office, which can accommodate 350 specialists, adds to Ford's existing 12,000 employees in India, many of whom are based in Chennai. Amend acknowledged the global talent shortage in AI, saying, "Everyone is vying for the same resources, and we need specialized skills to stay competitive." The center is focused on recruiting experts in AI, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and DevSecOps.

Global Impact of AI at Ford

Ford's engineering teams don’t just support local operations—they are driving global innovations. Amend shared, “The team working on automation technology is based here in India.” The Bengaluru center is leading the development of Ford’s AI Advancement Centre (AIAC), which aims to integrate AI across the company. The initiative ensures that all employees become proficient in AI.

A key part of this effort is the development of Ford's Large Language Model (LLM), a private system unlike public AI tools. Engineers in India have played a pivotal role in creating the ‘Ford AI Chat Toolkit,’ which allows employees to create custom AI solutions with just one day of training.

These AI tools have also transformed Ford’s dealer service operations. The system learns from each successful repair and provides solutions for similar problems in the future, improving efficiency and accuracy in repairs.
India-based teams are also spearheading the use of GitHub Copilot and other AI tools to write secure, fast, and efficient code for Ford’s vehicles. Thousands of engineers use these tools for AI-assisted software development.

Generative AI in Vehicle Design

One of the most impressive innovations comes from Indian engineers working with generative AI in vehicle design. Using this technology, engineers can generate 50 different design options in seconds, making it easier to find and modify designs rapidly.

Generative AI also plays a role in optimizing vehicle components by suggesting design adjustments that make parts lighter, stronger, or more cost-effective. AI models can evaluate trade-offs between weight, strength, and performance automatically.

Additionally, Indian teams are pioneering sophisticated simulation models, such as computational fluid dynamics, which may eventually replace expensive physical wind tunnel testing. These models also have the potential to streamline crash-testing processes, reduce costs and accelerate development cycles.

Augmented Reality and Commercial Fleet Management

Ford’s teams in India are also developing augmented reality solutions. Engineers use AR headsets to allow remote experts to guide technicians through complex repairs in real time.

The Bengaluru team is also enhancing Ford’s commercial fleet solutions. They focus on optimizing charging management, determining the best times and locations for fleet vehicles to charge, and maximizing efficiency. In addition to cars, commercial customers seek integrated software solutions for fleet management, service scheduling, charging, and insurance. Ford is addressing this need by modernizing its financial systems and creating a comprehensive digital experience for customers via apps, web interfaces, virtual assistants, and multiple payment methods.
In summary, Ford’s innovation center in Bengaluru is critical in transforming the company’s global operations with AI, digital tools, and cutting-edge technology, driving efficiency and accelerating development across multiple sectors.

Source: Times of India