Level 9 CAS PDS CxD Solution
CAS PDS CxD Overview
Level 9 Collision Avoidance System (CAS) Overview
MPI’s Advanced Level 9 Solution delivers a comprehensive system for vehicle-to-vehicle, object, and pedestrian interaction, offering gradual intervention commands such as vehicle derating and stopping, fully aligned with legislative standards.
Our Predictive Path Module uses time-to-collision methodologies that account for factors such as vehicle braking performance, the direction and speed of surrounding vehicles, load conditions, surface characteristics, and potential risks.
This advanced system is designed to handle complex scenarios like curving, Y-merges, T-junctions, head-on and reverse maneuvers, congested areas, and areas with speed limits or enforcement zones.
MPI has successfully integrated with major OEMs via CANbus ISO21815, including but not limited to CAT, Komatsu, Hitachi, Bell, and Volvo.
A Global Solutions Leader
As a South African-based global solutions provider, MPI has made significant strides in the implementation of Level 9 proximity detection and collision avoidance systems, responding to recent legislative changes.
MPI’s Level 9 PDS solutions have been deployed across multiple large-scale mines in South Africa, including operations such as Seriti (formerly South 32 and Anglo Coal mines). By integrating with leading OEMs like Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi, Bell, and third-party provider Neurospec, and conducting rigorous tests with the University of Pretoria on various Emerst scenarios, MPI is positioned as a leader in the field.
MPI has successfully replaced international competitors’ systems on more than 1,500 vehicles and has partnered with Caterpillar for global distribution of its proximity detection and collision avoidance products, with rollouts in Ghana, the US, and Australia.
Addressing Key Industry Challenges
Our successful Level 9 implementations in 2023 and 2024 addressed critical challenges in mining environments by automatically de-rating and stopping vehicles in compliance with evolving legislation. MPI’s unique concurrent fail-to-safe technology has set us apart from both local and global competitors.
The Level 9 collision detection module predicts potential collisions based on speed and distance, intervening to gradually de-rate or stop a vehicle at Level 9, or issuing effective warnings at Level 8. This system has been fine-tuned to handle scenarios such as curving, merges, and intersections, only stopping a vehicle when a collision risk is detected, minimizing downtime from unnecessary stops.
Seamless Integration and Customization
In addition to seamless integration with third-party interfaces such as Nerospec | NeroHub, ECS, and RedPro, MPI’s Level 9 solution is fully customizable for non-CANbus vehicles to meet client-specific needs, offering tailored solutions for diverse operational environments.
Key features of the Level 9 solution include:
- 360-degree visibility on-screen
- Customizable safety zones
- Safe braking curves compliant with SANS 3450:2013
- Load mode functionality
- Controlled beam patterns to reduce false warnings
- Downloadable data and back-office data analysis
Our Level 9 Solution Solves for Complex Challanges and Applications
Our technology solution includes and provides our customers with the following functionality:
Technology Solutions
Our technology solution includes and provides our customers with the following functionality:
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Online integrated tracking, monitoring and reporting of alerts, incidents, vehicles.
Manual braking solution for LDV if required by legislation.
Incorporates vehicle to vehicle, vehicle to pedestrian and vehicle to object via our radar solution.
Flexibility to incorporate both static and dynamic zones.
Data storage on onboard hardware, SD cards and through the cloud
Technology designed to provide an effective warning and if required to de-rate and bring vehicle to a safe stop.
Concurrent fail to safe technology
Further customization and software development to meet specific requirements by the mine.
Technology as a Key Tool in Reducing Accidents
Through collaboration within the international mining community, EMESRT (Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table) has spearheaded a project to develop global standards for Proximity Detection Systems (PDS). A critical result of this initiative is the creation of an interoperability protocol, ISO 21815, which facilitates seamless integration between third-party PDS providers and OEM-supplied equipment. This protocol is essential for implementing PDS controls across mixed equipment fleets, enhancing overall safety.
EMESRT has identified and categorized various levels of incident control, structured to enhance safety across multiple dimensions:
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Level 1: Site Requirements
Focused on long-term factors like machinery specifications, mine design, and industry standards. These are foundational and reviewed every few years.
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Level 2: Segregation Controls
Includes physical barriers like berms, access control systems, and traffic segregation. These controls are typically implemented and updated over months.
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Level 3: Operating Procedures
This level emphasizes maintenance schedules, traffic rules, and quality control processes, revisited on a weekly basis.
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Level 4: Authority to Operate
Involves worker qualifications, training, licenses, and induction processes. These controls ensure operational readiness and are often evaluated daily.
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Level 5: Physical Fitness to Operate
Addresses immediate factors like fatigue, drug or alcohol impairment, and medication usage. These factors are monitored before every work shift.
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Level 6: Operational Compliance
Includes pre-start safety checks, machinery status assessments, and compliance with safety protocols. These are typically evaluated hourly.
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Level 7: Operator Awareness
Relies on real-time monitoring tools like cameras, mirrors, maps, and warning lights to keep operators informed. Updates occur within minutes.
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Level 8: Alert Systems
Focuses on proximity alerts, fatigue detection, and overspeed warnings. These systems provide feedback within seconds.
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Level 9: Automated Intervention
Involves real-time interventions like automatic speed reduction and braking systems, which respond within milliseconds to prevent accidents.
By organizing safety into these structured levels, technology plays a vital role in minimizing accidents, ensuring quick responses, and maintaining a proactive approach to safety in mining operations.