Leveraging Systems Thinking, MBSE and Simulation in the Design and Analysis of Highly Distributed Autonomous Vehicle Systems

The increase in global urbanization presents significant traffic congestion and emission challenges. Ford sees these challenges as an opportunity to design smart Autonomous Vehicle Solutions that can actually help city planners design transportation systems that improve the quality of life for everyone. To accomplish this goal we are leveraging Systems Thinking, Model Based Systems Engineering and Virtual Simulation Analysis & Design to define the next generation of mobility solutions.

This presentation provides some examples of how Ford Motor Company has been applying systems thinking combined with modelling and simulation to develop autonomous vehicle system solutions.

About the Speaker

Chris Davey is a passionate systems thinker and has been a MBSE thought leader for the past few decades. He has been fortunate enough to hold global leadership positions in EESE, Powertrain, Chassis and R&A. During this time, he identified, designed and rolled out several industry first, MBSE innovations: In-Vehicle Software (IVS) releasing that manages software updates across the PD to plant to dealerships; Vehicle Systems Engineering Management solution (VSEM) that provides a full PLM based SE solution linking requirements to features to architectures to DVPs to devices. He also led the development of Ford’s Model Based Design capability called CACSD, a precursor to MBD. This delivered production model based autocode generation. Recently, he led the development and roll-out of Ford’s global ISO26262 Process, Methods and Tools. Mr. Davey is a member of INCOSE, IET, GAAG, and is a Professional-Chartered Engineer.