BCS Group, part of Barhale, has installed human form recognition cameras and a Digital Thumbs Up system on six new Kubota KX030s, ten Kubota KX060s and a further ten Kubota KX080s diggers, which will help to improve site safety
The digital technologies have been developed by artificial intelligence, autonomous, robotic and environmental solutions business Safety Shield Global. Artificial intelligence has been used to improve site safety by identifying when a person has stepped into an unsafe area around a machine and providing an audible alert to the person in the zone and also to the driver.
The new system uses data to improve site safety
The system has the capacity to report incidents by type and frequency, and the data can then be used to help improve safety behaviours on site.
Digital Thumbs Up combines visual and audible signals to let machine drivers and operators advise other personnel wishing to approach their machines know when it is safe to do so. It follows the principles of the established Thumbs Up procedure used across construction but takes it to the next level using unambiguous LED and sonic indicators.
How does the system work?
Through the new system, when a site user wants to approach a machine, they will give a thumbs-up to the operator. Once the operator has seen the thumbs-up signal, they will bring the machine to a controlled stop and will then press the in-cab ‘Thumbs Up’ button to isolate the machine’s controls – effectively disabling it.
The digital shield will then display a thumbs-up to show it is safe to approach the machine along the recognised corridor in line with the Thumbs Up procedure.
Steve Day, head of hire at BCS, commented: “The Kubota mini-diggers are often employed on quite constrained sites where teams can be working in close proximity, so we are always looking out for new measures that can enhance site safety,” he said. “We have been very impressed by both the human form recognition and Digital Thumbs Up systems. They are simple and straightforward and build on the established and familiar Thumbs Up procedure used by all our personnel already.”
The AI technology will put BCS at the forefront of site safety
Dave Lally, operations director at Barhale, said: “We believe this AI technology will benefit sites and personnel by ensuring the people/plant interface is managed in the safest possible way.
“The system will also give us insight into people’s behaviours, opening the door for further improvements in site safety and process. Adopting this kit on both new and existing machinery puts BCS right at the forefront of plant safety and will give our clients the additional peace of mind of knowing we are taking wellbeing to the next level.”
