“This system is significantly faster traditional safety systems, giving you multiple zones and active feedback, and we can integrate it into a machine’s control system in a way that’s approachable to the operator, and also more easily customizable by the OEM.”
As radar and safety systems have almost become an industry standard in the automotive industry, mobile machinery is following the same course, however the systems must be even more sophisticated to account for different types of heavy equipment. Simpler systems that have a standard alarm for all objects don’t work for machines like cranes or waste management vehicles that have booms or other tools extending outward. Other machines also work in busy job sites where there are not only other machines or buildings, but also people moving and working close to vehicles and operators need to be aware of all of them and how close they actually to the machine.
In order to give operators a complete view of their surroundings and truly improve safety, OEMs need to utilize more advanced, configurable radar and camera systems, like the Hoplo™ system from Spartan. Our VP of Sales & Marketing Mark Torbett says the speed of response in this system, as well as the ability to program dead zones and different degrees of warning for each zone, has a real value.
“Every sensor gives you 3 segment zones and there are 5 subdivisions in this. You can go out as far as 40 meters from the machine, and it can also detect active bodies as close as 10 inches.”
He also says that the integration with the Convoy camera system creates an even more comprehensive view of the machine, as you can accompany all alerts with a real time view of the machine’s surroundings. As OEMs integrate the best technologies and components for their machines, efficient integration really is key to giving your operators the best experience possible.
“Our abilities as an integrator, creating fully populated cabs with configurable controls and software all routed through the machine’s main control system allows us to incorporate this type of system really seamlessly. If one machine only needs 2 zones but another needs 3, we can easily pick the configuration structure needed within the control system. To the end user, it truly seems like it’s part of the machine, rather than a feature added as an after thought.
This type of full integration really shows end users that safety is an integral part of your machine, and makes it possible to incorporate other features as well, like automatic braking or alarm systems.
Headed to MinExpo? We’re bringing one of our custom cab systems with the Hoplo system fully integrated to the show. Come and visit us in the West Hall at booth 11918. Or contact us today to find out how we can integrate a system like this into your machine.
