Definition
An anti-collision system warns when a vehicle approaches a person or another vehicle, and in some deployments limits the machine's speed. In the vision variant a camera mounted on the truck recognises a pedestrian in the path of travel and signals this to the operator.
Vision versus radio solutions
Radio systems require every pedestrian to carry a tag. They work regardless of lighting and obstructions, but protect only tagged people - a visitor, a delivery driver or an untagged worker stays invisible to them.
Vision systems recognise any person in frame, with no need to equip the crew. Their limitation is visibility: an object hidden behind a load or a rack will not be detected.
What happens after detection
The simplest response is a signal to the operator, audible and visual in the cab. The next level warns the pedestrian with light projected onto the floor ahead of the vehicle.
The furthest-reaching variant limits speed through the truck controller. It requires integration with the vehicle and the manufacturer's agreement, since it touches the drive system.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work on trucks from different manufacturers?
The warning variant does, since it does not interfere with the vehicle. Speed limiting requires checking integration options for the specific model.
Will a camera on a truck survive warehouse conditions?
Vehicle-mounted components are selected for vibration, humidity and temperature range. That is a standard requirement, not an exception.
Are tags needed for workers?
Not in the vision approach. That is its main advantage over radio systems.