VOLVO Construction Equipment has launched its Collision Mitigation System for the firm’s wheel loaders.
Described as an automatic braking feature that helps to reduce the risk or consequences of collision when working in reverse, the manufacturer revealed this is the ‘first system of its kind’ from any OEM.
While working in reverse, it automatically applies service brakes when the wheel loader approaches any obstacle, alerting the operator to take further action.
Volvo said that, while not designed to replace safe operator behaviour, it is a smart tool to further enhance site safety.
Lars Eriksson, global product manager for wheel loaders at Volvo CE, said, “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 identifies when there is a risk of collision and automatically activates the brakes for 2-3 seconds to slow the machine down prior to impact or bring it to a stop. This alerts the operator to intervene.
For 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 conditions.
It functions only when the wheel loader is in reverse and driving at speeds of between 3-15 km/h.
Developed in-house by Volvo, the patent-pending Collision Mitigation System is a factory-fit option currently available on the L110H/L120H equipped with OptiShift, L150H, L180H, L220H, L260H and L200H High Lift wheel loaders.
