Sep 3 2014
Researchers belonging to Universidad Politécnica de Madrid’s Radar and Microwave Group (GMR) have developed a novel radar network alarm system for construction vehicles. This system would help reduce risk of accidents in locations where constructions take place.
radar camion interior
Large vehicles are widely used in construction sites. Due to their design and size, they are difficult to drive. They have many blind spots which increases the chances of collisions on the sites.
Present day vehicles are equipped with different types of safety systems such as sirens or cameras. But, the conditions in construction sites do not favor such systems. Loud noises affect sirens, while suspended particles, fog or rain may block the camera lens.
The innovative system developed by the GMR researchers consists of installing multiple radars in vehicles so as to create a sensor network. Adverse environmental conditions such as rain, fog or suspended particles do not affect radar functionality. As radars are not dependent on light, they can be used at any time. Obstacles detected by the radar network can be viewed on a screen. Further, advanced electronics have also helped miniaturize the system.
The researchers had to develop a system that demonstrated high reliability and good performance. False alarms may be raised by the system. Workers may become suspicious and they may ignore the alarm when a real occurrence may take place.
The GMR multiple radar system will help prevent such false alarms and also reduce occupational hazards on construction sites.