John Deere, the renowned American manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment, has announced the integration of its innovative sensing and awareness technology, SmartDetect, into its utility and production-class loaders. This move aims to bolster safety and situational awareness for operators on construction sites.
SmartDetect leverages a comprehensive suite of detection and vision solutions, including advanced cameras, radar, and machine-learning capabilities, to identify and classify various objects, such as people, poles, structures, and other machinery. The technology made its debut at the ConExpo event in early 2023.
“SmartDetect is a vital enhancement to our range of precision construction technology solutions, enabling operators to navigate busy construction sites with greater confidence and efficiency,” stated Katie Voelliger, product marketing manager at John Deere.
Key features of the SmartDetect system include a high-resolution rearview monitor, a rear stereo camera that enhances depth perception, and visual categorization of detected objects and obstacles. Additionally, sound alerts are designed to notify operators when the system detects an object or person nearby.
“Operators often work long hours, making it challenging to maintain peak situational awareness throughout the day. SmartDetect serves as a valuable tool to enhance their confidence and awareness of their surroundings on the job site,” explained Nathan Demski, jobsite safety product manager at John Deere.
Field kits for incorporating SmartDetect are currently available for select utility and production-class loader models that are already equipped with John Deere’s Advanced Vision System and Advanced Object Detection technology.
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