DAGENHAM, England—Ford Motor Co. is using drones at its engine plant here to inspect hidden corners of the sprawling facility. Devices equipped with cameras enable engineers to safely and efficiently inspect things such as gantry cranes, pipework and roof areas.
Previously, they carried out this important maintenance work by using automated extendable platforms and scaffolding to check 131-foot long gantries that support the plant’s heavy machinery. Each inspection could take up to 12 hours to complete.