Vehicle Intervention System Takes Control When Necessary

Hexagon AB launched HxGN Mine VIS, a vehicle intervention system that detects and prevents collisions by automatically slowing down or stopping a haul truck if an imminent collision is detected. According to the company, Mine VIS is an additional layer of safety on top of the Collision Avoidance System (CAS), helping to avoid incidents, injuries and fatalities. Mine VIS manages traffic in the pit and, by reacting when and if operators do not, is intended to ensure that safety rules are followed.

Hexagon said CAS provides drivers of large vehicles with 360° proximity detection at any speed and in all conditions via cabin display units. Mine VIS can take control of the machine in certain defined situations if the operator does not react appropriately to the initial CAS warning. The system can act depending on the situation, either by inhibiting propulsion, activating the retarder or applying the service brake. Mine VIS can also be used in conjunction with Fatigue- Monitor, the company’s fatigue-detection, alerting, and reporting solution, using the same sensors and user interface. Hexagon said it worked closely with an OEM to develop a last-resort system that mitigates the consequences of a collision.

Hexagon noted that Mine VIS is being installed in Anglo American Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen mine in South Africa after the company contacted Hexagon Mining following an assessment of its operation to identify major risks. Hexagon Mining and the customer subsequently defined a step-by-step approach to develop a solution. According to Hexagon, Mine VIS is timely in South Africa where government regulations will compel surface mines to implement such systems on heavy machine equipment by June 2019.
http://www.hexagon.com