Driving a forklift is a demanding job that can all too easily lead to operator fatigue and distraction due to the repetitive nature of the work and the relentless pressure to meet ever tighter fulfilment deadlines. Even a momentary loss of concentration by an operator caused by tiredness or a quick glance at a smartphone can lead to serious consequences such as a collision with a pedestrian who inadvertently steps too close to the vehicle.
To help operators maintain attentiveness while they are behind the wheel, the VIA Mobile360 Forklift Safety System features an AI-powered DSS (Driver Safety System) that issues a voice or audio alert whenever it detects signs of fatigue through the driver camera. Visual alerts can be delivered using the optional 7” CVBS display, which also provides the forklift operator with people detection alerts as well as live video feeds from the front and rear cameras.
The driver fatigue alert is triggered when an operator yawns, closes their eyes for more than three seconds, or looks down for more than three seconds. By delivering real-time warnings when it detects these telltale signs of drowsiness, the DSS makes sure that forklift operators remain alert while in charge of the vehicle and reduces the likelihood of an accident occurring due to slow reactions to potential hazards. The DSS also helps operators to develop a greater awareness of their physical and mental wellbeing and identify possible health issues that they may need to address with management and medical practitioners.
In addition to detecting forklift operator fatigue, the DSS also issues alerts when it sees the driver using a smart phone or smoking. Check out this video to see the Driver Safety System in action:
The driver camera comes in a labeled box with the VIA Mobile360 Forklift Safety System and includes a color-coded cable, black, for easy identification. It is pre-assembled with the L-shaped mounting bracket and includes a strong magnet with two M5*12mm bolts, a piece of double-sided 3M tape, and two M5*25mm Molly bolts to secure the camera to the forklift.
Calibrating the driver camera is fast and easy using the using the VIA Mobile360 WorkX app. Video footage of captured driver fatigue events can be saved on a Micro SD card for downloading and viewing using the VIA Mobile360 WorkX app.
The VIA Mobile360 Forklift Safety System combines front and rear people detection with driver fatigue and distraction alerts to prevent forklift pedestrian accidents and enhance overall safety in the busiest warehouse and industrial environments.
We will be demonstrating the system at LogiMAT 2022 along with the VIA Mobile360 D700 AI Dash Cam and VIA Mobile360 M800 video telematics system. The show takes place at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre, Germany, from May 31 – June 2. The VIA booth is located at C10 in Hall 6.