The GPS-VHF intelligent collision avoidance system uses 50-channel industrial GPS, minimising the need for surface-based repeaters.

It detects the position of all nearby mobile plant, vehicles and fixed infrastructure also fitted with an ICAS unit within the configured zones and is accurate to plus or minus one metre.

Once nearby plant or vehicles are detected the system uses a secure VHF wireless network in conjunction with preconfigured alarms to alert all surrounding ICAS-fitted vehicles.

It provides a mix of audio and visual alerts as well as an operator acknowledgement facility.

The system has a range of up to 20km.

Becker national sales and marketing manager Jim Dwyer said the system was based around a proven GPS-VHF peer-to-peer system, ensuring ICAS-equipped vehicles and infrastructure were always visible and identifiable to operators.

He said while ICAS operated independently of all other infrastructure or networks it was capable of expansion and able to accept other sensors for data collection.

“However, its primary objective is as a safe system to keep personnel safe and prevent damage to assets,” Dwyer said.

“With real-time situational awareness essential to an effective collision avoidance system, ICAS enhances operator awareness with critical and accurate data – including vehicle orientation – using a combined GPS-compass heading sensor.

“All vehicles and infrastructure within the configured guard and alarm zones are displayed, ensuring operators have timely warnings of potential collisions.

“This increases safety and minimises the chances of accidents or near-misses resulting from insufficient reaction time due to an operator’s lack of situational awareness.”

The ICAS also “filters out” non-priority targets.

“It only displays the vehicles and infrastructure that may be on a collision course with the operator’s vehicle, removing the risk, uncertainty and stress related to working and interacting with mobile equipment in highly dangerous, congested, low-visibility and isolated environments,” Dwyer said.

There are ICAS portable units available for use by short-term contractors.

“Simply by fitting the portable magnetic base GPS, VHF antennas and the portable display to contractors’ vehicles, mines can ensure all site vehicles are fitted with collision avoidance safety systems while onsite,” Dwyer said.