In a collaborative effort to enhance road safety and protect both drivers and pedestrians, Mammoet, a global leader in heavy lifting and transport, has teamed up with Rietveld, a specialist in fleet management and vehicle safety systems. The partnership aims to develop an innovative safety system for mobile cranes, with ongoing tests currently being conducted on a new Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 70t model.
This joint project seeks to address the growing demand for stringent safety measures in the operation of mobile cranes, prompted by tighter safety regulations. It integrates three distinct safety technologies to provide comprehensive protection during the movement and maneuvering of cranes on roads and construction sites.
The first component of the system is Rietveld’s OmniVue 360° camera system, which utilizes multiple cameras installed around the crane’s chassis to create a panoramic view. This technology offers drivers both first-person and third-person perspectives, significantly enhancing their awareness of the crane’s surroundings and improving safety for pedestrians and other road users.
Adding another layer of safety, the system incorporates sensors that monitor the vicinity of the crane, detecting people and obstacles within a predefined safety radius. Upon detection of a potential hazard, the driver is immediately alerted through an acoustic signal, and an LED warning panel indicates the location of the detected movement.
The final element of the safety system, known as the ‘Halo’, projects a visible light boundary on the ground around the crane, clearly marking a safe zone for nearby individuals. This feature is particularly useful in noisy environments where hearing protection is necessary, as it provides a visual warning that is both intuitive and immediate.
Ferdi Kivanc, Project Coordinator EMD at Mammoet, expressed optimism about the project, highlighting the potential for these technologies to significantly reduce accidents and improve the confidence of crane operators. “Initial tests are promising, and I am very proud of the results,” said Kivanc, emphasizing the holistic approach to enhancing safety and training within the industry.
Frank Kanters, Account Manager at Rietveld, shared the enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting the uniqueness of the safety solution being developed. “We were delighted to offer our expertise when Mammoet approached us with their vision. The integration of our collision-prevention technologies into their mobile cranes has created something truly special in the realm of crane safety,” Kanters remarked.
The partnership between Mammoet and Rietveld marks a significant step forward in the development of safety technologies for mobile cranes, promising to set new standards for the industry and pave the way for safer operation practices across construction sites and public roadways.
