Once it was a technique that helped protect knights in armour from the crashing blows of their rivals. Now, Ford is applying a cutting-edge version of the same technology to help make its cars safer than ever.

Imagine if a simple innovation suddenly allowed you to carry out an arduous – but essential – chore in a tenth of the time it would normally take and without the safety risks of working at height.

Imagine lifting a bag of flour or a watermelon over your head up to 4,600 times a day as part of your job – that is similar to what some Ford employees do every day as they work to build vehicles around the world.

Technology typically used by the world’s top sport stars to raise their game, or ensure their signature skills are accurately replicated in leading video games, is now being used on an auto assembly line.

Ford Aquitaine Industries (FAI) – Ford’s automatic transmission facility in Bordeaux, France – today confirmed it is starting an information and consultation process with its Works Council.