The mining division at Sweden-based technology firm Hexagon has released a new version of its collision avoidance system (CAS) that encapsulates the solution into just two components.

Hexagon said the newly redesigned CAS 10 only needs two hardware components: a smart antenna and a five-inch LCD display. It was developed as the result of research revealed that found reducing the number of hardware components would make installation and maintenance easier.

The smart antenna incorporates high-precision GPS, RF, Wi-Fi, LTE and Ultra-Wide Band Time of Flight technology, while the LCD display has an updated User experience (UX) design.

The company's CAS solutions aim to protect drivers and equipment with 360-degree operator awareness for vehicles, assets and operators in open-pit mines, said the company.

But they are also integrated with the company's MineProtect software portfolio which includes solutions for operator alertness, object detection, personal protection and vehicle intervention.

CAS connects to a web-based reporting and analytics platform, and monitors and controls critical risk events by connecting data sources via dashboards, said Hexagon.

"One multi-functional smart antenna not only incorporates CAS, but is the hub supporting systems for operator alertness, fleet management and operator assist, among other solutions," said Barbara Hirtz, product manager, Hexagon's Mining division, adding that CAS 10 was "next-generation technology."

She noted that it also integrates with the company's Power of One solution, which consolidates and connects sensors and software, infield apps and cloudware.

"This allows multiple Hexagon solutions to share one antenna, reducing the cost of ownership while facilitating maintenance. In a single display, the software integrates information from CAS, radars and HxGN MineProtect Personal Alert, the industry's first accident-avoidance device worn by field personnel using the reliability and precision-location technology."

Hirtz added in a blog post that MineProtect Operator Alertness System (OAS) can combat fatigue and fatigue-related events,while incidences can be reduced using CAS, which can be upgraded to at-level mine automated vehicle intervention. MineProtect Vehicle Intervention System (VIS) can take control of the vehicle when the operator does not react appropriately to a CAS alarm.

"CAS can help mines introduce autonomous solutions by safely assisting the interactions between human drivers and autonomous vehicles".