Testing is a crucial part of developing any vehicle, subjecting it to varying conditions to see whether it can handle the world outside of a laboratory.

To assist in its extreme weather testing program, Ford of Europe has taken delivery of two robots which will help the manufacturer understand how its products will react when faced with the extremities of the environment surrounding them.

Named after legendary Ford tuner Carroll Shelby and racing driver Ken Miles – who were instrumental in the Ford GT40’s development, as popularised in Ford v Ferrari – the two robots are designed to operate the vehicle in testing conditions which would be unsuitable for human drivers, from the searing heat of a desert to freezing winds at high altitude.

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Based at Ford’s Weather Factory facility in Cologne, Germany, Shelby and Miles have been designed to replicate different driving styles, with their legs able to extend out onto the accelerator, brake and clutch, while their arms can change gears.

“These two new drivers are fantastic additions to the team, as they can take on the challenging endurance tests at high altitudes and in hot temperatures,” said wind tunnel testing supervisor, Frank Seelig.

“Once the robot is in the driver’s seat, we can run tests through the night without ever having to worry that the driver will need a sandwich or a bathroom break.”

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