Pedestrians are Just Not Hearing…or Seeing It
A pedestrian presence sensor breaks through the noise barrier and blind spots that traditional and some technology-based safety systems fail to do. As all facilities have a higher degree of noise going on with loading docks, people talking and production lines working, how can a forklift truck warn pedestrians of their imminent presence? Add tall and filled racking systems, now you can’t see them coming. How can a pedestrian presence sensor help? Let’s find out.
What is a Pedestrian Presence Sensor?
A pedestrian presence sensor scans around a forklift gathering data. The sensor is searching for anything that is a potential obstruction. If the forklift is coming to the end of an aisle, for instance, it is scanning to collect data if there’s something in that upcoming space. In an industrial facility, it will be either be a human being or an object. That’s the purpose of the pedestrian presence sensor.
Interpreting the Data
What comes next is important. The data captured by the pedestrian presence sensor is then analyzed and the machine learning technology decides what to do. In case of the S3 PDS system, it has a decision to make. Is there an obstruction in its path? If so, the S3 PDS will determine the type of obstruction it is. Is it a pedestrian or an object? Because the machine learning technology already knows the difference, it informs the forklift operator with an audio cue and a visual of either the symbol of a human or a symbol of an object. Seems like a long process, but all of this happens in a matter of milliseconds.
What if the Human is Behind an Object?
With the capability to detect both the human and an object, you want to know what it is going to detect first…the pedestrian behind a box or the box itself. The S3 PDS is unique in that it can detect both and know the difference between a person and an object.
The quick simple answer is the person will be detected first, and notified to the forklift operator as such. Now, the bigger answer that is important to know is this: the S3 PDS can detect there is a person behind, on the side of, on top of an object. Meaning, if only a foot, or hand or head is showing from behind a box or any object, the S3 system will know it. It will know there is a human and will notify the forklift operator that a pedestrian is in close proximity to the forklift.
Does the Technology Exist?
Yes, the machine learning technology has already acquired the knowledge, the how to identify a human from an object. All it needs to do is learn the layout of the facility it will be installed, and go. The installation process is simply installing the non-invasive unit onto the forklift, plug it in and begin collecting data. Where does it all go? Into the web-based dashboard.
Special Invitation – Get a Trial
We invite you to try out the S3 PDS because we know from our customers their experience with a trial. So, find out what you can learn about your facility that you never knew before. Contact us at sales@siera.ai to find out about our trial offer. It certainly is something special.
Forklift Backup Camera: Productivity Gains
By allowing the technology to work with the driver on safety for himself, forklift, building and pedestrians, the operator will be more efficient and productive in is daily tasks. Not only will the operator achieve better productivity, you’ll also begin to reach operational goals of zero forklift accidents.