Ford Brings Back 350 Engineers to Fix AI-Driven Quality Failures as Recalls Mount
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Jun 25
Ford Brings Back 350 Engineers to Fix AI-Driven Quality Failures as Recalls Mount
1 articles · Updated · The Verge · Jun 25
Summary
More than 350 experienced engineers have been hired, promoted or brought back at Ford after automated design and production systems failed to prevent quality problems.
Charles Poon said Ford overestimated what AI and adjusted design rules could deliver, while veteran staff left before their know-how was fully transferred into the company’s systems.
Those engineers are now retraining automated tools, mentoring younger staff and improving the data and AI training behind Ford’s manufacturing and vehicle-development processes.
Ford, recently ranked No. 1 among mainstream brands in JD Power’s initial quality study for the first time in 16 years, is still the industry leader in recalls after years of slipping quality.
The overhaul also reaches software: Ford formed a 40-person quality-assurance team and added more than 100,000 AI-powered tests as it shifts from a find-and-fix model to defect prevention.