MOTORING NEWS - Ford in the United States had to rehire more than 300 veteran quality inspectors and engineers after automated and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems failed to consistently detect supply chain and quality issues.
This step underscores MISA’s, the Motor Industry Staff Association, advocacy that AI cannot replace the critical value of human judgment, tacit knowledge and lived experience.
Ford deployed thousands of AI powered cameras across its plants to mitigate disruptions and catch defects.
Yet the systems lacked the contextual awareness and instinct honed by seasoned professionals.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says the quiet rehiring of these experts is an acknowledgment that human intervention remains central to sustainable industrial success.
“We must never allow technology to strip away the dignity of work. AI can assist, but it cannot replace the human innovation and intervention that drives progress. Protecting workers is not just about preserving jobs. It is about safeguarding the future of our industry,” says Keyter.
This lesson is particularly relevant for South Africa where Ford retrenched 474 workers last year in a restructuring process in terms of Section 189 of the Labour Relations Act. While those cuts were not directly tied to automation, the contrast with Ford U.S. rehiring workers highlights the risks of sidelining human expertise.
When technology falls short, it is workers who restore resilience and ensure quality.
MISA believes this story carries a broader lesson for all industries. AI can enhance efficiency, but it cannot replace the creativity, ethical stewardship and problem solving capacity of human beings.
“Workers must remain at the heart of technological transformation. Employers, policymakers and unions must ensure that AI adoption strengthens the role of workers in shaping the future of work,” says Keyter.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
