Hyster adds the driver-assistance technology system "Hyster Reaction" with a camera for pedestrian detection. It is designed to precisely identify pedestrians at a distance of up to five meters through a 110-degree field of view.
If a pedestrian is detected, the forklift operator receives a voice announcement that a pedestrian is nearby. In addition, a light on the display indicates which zone the person is located in.
Traction alarms take things one step further, automatically and gradually slowing the forklift. This
slowing-down effect is intended to attract the driver's attention so that he avoids the detected pedestrian by braking and/or swerving.
"The drivers' situational awareness is a crucial factor for the safety of pedestrians and forklifts. With our ongoing investments in the Hyster Reaction assistance solutions, we want to provide drivers with additional support for careful operation," explains Daniel Heap, Manager, Product & Commercial – Technology & Connected Fleet at Hyster.
According to Heap, the goal is to provide drivers with easy-to-understand
and user-friendly technologies that reliably work in real-world applications – in lumber storage facilities, on construction sites or in heavy industry.
For indoor and outdoor use
For the development of the pedestrian detection system, some image data from work environments were used. The system is designed to adapt to different lighting and environmental conditions and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
According to the manufacturer, it is designed for a maximum driving speed of 8 km/h. This would give operators
enough time to recognize warnings and react to them.
Warning system
The camera is mounted at the rear of the forklift, on the side away from the forks. Once the identified pedestrian has left the camera's field of view or the forklift moves forward and moves away from the pedestrian behind the forklift, the warning signals would be deactivated.
According to the manufacturer, the system is available in various configurations: either with acoustic and optical alarms only or additionally with traction
