Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is introducing the Collision Mitigation System for its wheeled loaders.
The system is an automatic braking feature that supports operator response and helps reduce the risk or consequences of collision when working in reverse.
The Swedish quarrying and construction equipment maker claims it is the first system of its kind from any original equipment manufacturer (OEM). It assists operators while working in reverse and automatically applies service brakes when the wheeled loader approaches any obstacle, alerting the operator to take further action. With loaders spending an average of 40-50% of their time being driven in reverse, the Collision Mitigation System is designed to be a valuable solution for operators and site managers.
Volvo CE says the system is not designed to ever replace safe operator behavior, but is a smart tool to further enhance jobsite safety – a central focus and core value for Volvo CE since the company’s inception.
Lars Eriksson, global product manager for wheeled loaders at Volvo CE, says: “We at Volvo CE continue to proactively develop intelligent solutions which not only mitigate the consequences of accidents but strive to avoid them altogether. This new Collision Mitigation System is one important part of our work to reduce the risk of accidents and help fulfil our commitment towards zero accidents.”
The system works by identifying when there is a risk of collision and responding by automatically activating the brakes for 2-3 seconds to slow the machine down prior to impact or bring it to a stop to avoid it. This initiation of the braking alerts the operator to intervene.
For seamless stockpiling operations, the system will remember the last slope the machine climbed, allowing operators to reverse down a pile without activating it. It can also be temporarily deactivated for specific site conditions.
Functioning only when the wheeled loader is in reverse and driving at speeds of between 3-15 km/h (1.86-9.32mp/h), no matter what gear it is in, it is designed to serve as a facilitator to jobsite safety.
Developed in-house by Volvo CE, the patent-pending Collision Mitigation System for Volvo wheeled loaders is a factory-fit option currently available on the L110H/L120H equipped with OptiShift, L150H, L180H, L220H, L260H and L200H High Lift wheel loaders.
Requiring a Radar Detect System to be fitted, it works as an additional system to the existing wide range of features, options and site services provided by Volvo CE for its line of wheel loaders, all of which have been designed to elevate jobsite safety and minimize unplanned interruptions.
The system is available in all markets around the world.
