Modular Mining Systems launched its fourth-generation collision awareness system (CAS) this week at MINExpo, available as a standalone system or integrated with Modular’s DISPATCH® Fleet Management System.
Modular released its first-generation proximity detection system in 2006 as a part of a suite of safety management tools known collectively as MineAlert™. The latest CAS monitors and notifies operators of potential vehicle-to-vehicle collisions based on intelligent path-prediction and pattern recognition algorithms, helping to increase drivers’ situational awareness when operating heavy or light vehicles in the mine. The system uses a high-speed, low-latency peer-to-peer communications technology developed specifically for safety applications in the automotive industry to allow timely alarms and informative warnings to reach operators without delay.
The system addresses many of the most common vehicle collision scenarios, including forward path (front-to-rear and head-on), take-off, speed limit violations, overtaking, and intersections. Two levels of alarms notify operators of potential hazards; if an operator doesn’t take corrective action after the first notification, a more urgent, audible warning will sound. When integrated with the DISPATCH Fleet Management System, alarms may be routed to the mine controller and recorded for reporting purposes.
“Modular’s CAS is a next-generation approach built on the experience with our previous generations of proximity detection systems to deliver a very robust and reliable system for improving awareness of potential vehicle interactions,” says Lucas Van Latum, Director of Product Strategy at Modular. “We listened to our customers and have focused on addressing the major issue of nuisance alarms that has hampered the adoption of other collision awareness technologies.”
Some of the highlights of the new Collision Awareness system include:
- Advanced predictive-path and pattern-recognition algorithms to minimize nuisance alarms
- Scenario- and context-specific risk calculation
- Silent informational alerts to the operator when the calculated risk is elevated, and audible warning alerts only when intervention is considered necessary
- 360-degree detection – unlike many other technologies such as radar and camera, vehicle-to-vehicle radio communication has no inherent blind spots; multiple antennas further optimize coverage around large equipment
- Configurable scenario-risk calculations can be tailored to a particular site risk profile
- Does not require wireless infrastructure to achieve robust and long-range vehicle-to-vehicle communication
- Simple, intuitive, and easy-to-read Operator Graphical Interface
- Rugged components designed specifically for the harsh mining environment
- Stand-alone, or integrated with DISPATCH® FMS.