More than half of all accidents involving industrial trucks happen when reversing," says Fabian Zimmermann, Product Manager Safety Solutions at Linde MH, quoting available statistics and drawing attention to a risk that is often underestimated. One of the main reasons he cites is the driver's restricted view to the rear. "The blind spot begins at a viewing angle of more than 180 degrees. But even before that, people and objects behind the vehicle are no longer clearly visible." Employees are now supported by the Linde Reverse Assist Radar: the sensor-based system detects both moving and static objects that are located behind the truck in the travel path.

A major advantage of the solution is its powerful braking performance in the event of danger. If an obstacle is detected, the Linde Reverse Assist Radar brakes the vehicle to a standstill at a rate of up to three meters per square second. The braking effect is calculated depending on the lifting height, the driving speed, the steering angle and the distance to the obstacle and is therefore always adapted to the individual driving and hazardous situation. Different lighting conditions do not affect the system.

If the Reverse Assist Radar detects a potential collision, it automatically intervenes and overrides the drive command. "The system provides valuable assistance, particularly in hectic situations in the warehouse or when inexperienced forklift drivers are at the wheel, material has been placed incorrectly and is reaching into the travel path or the drivers are distracted," explains Product Manager Zimmermann.

Warning only in an emergency

In the event of danger, the system warns the driver in several stages with an acoustic signal. If the truck is equipped with an optional 7-inch display, the operator also receives a visual warning and is prompted to check the space to the rear. The detection area is designed to cover the width of the rear as standard, but can be adjusted individually. "The system only reacts to obstacles in the defined travel path," the product expert continues. Goods or other objects that are located in a block storage area to the right and left of the route, for example, do not cause the system to intervene. This prevents unnecessary disruptions or interruptions.

Another product advantage is that the Linde Reverse Assist Radar can be combined with other safety assistance solutions. "To minimize risks in the warehouse and avoid dangerous situations with industrial trucks, it can make sense to combine several solutions," explains Fabian Zimmermann. This includes, for example, the Linde Front Assist Camera, which is based on artificial intelligence and detects dangerous situations involving pedestrians when driving forwards and reduces the speed of the truck accordingly. "Our sales organization provides advice and support, because choosing the right solutions always depends on the situation on site." Equally important for the Linde safety expert is that the Linde Reverse Assist Radar will also be available as a retrofit solution in the near future.