ELOshield proximity detection system
for forklift safety, proximity detection system reduces risk of lift truck-pedestrian accidents
ELOshield is a lift truck proximity detection system that automatically helps avoid collisions. It uses ultra wideband proximity detection to warn forklift drivers when pedestrians, objects or other vehicles are too close. The system warns pedestrians, too, with audible, visual and vibration alerts. Two safety zones—“Warning” and “Protection”—are uniquely customizable in size and shape.
The mobile version of ELOshield mounts on lift trucks. A stationary version can be installed at fixed points to monitor dangerous areas like high-traffic aisle intersections.
Configurable warning and protection zones for maximum safety
ELOshield’s “Warning” and “Protection” zones can be flexibly programmed as circles, symmetrical rectangles, or (optionally) asymmetrical polygons. Standard detection range is up to 40 feet (12 meters), with potential extension up to 80 feet (25 meters). With ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless sensors, ELOshield can detect pedestrians through obstacles, like pallets and racking, without false alarms. The system can also detect multiple pedestrians at the same time. And each detection zone can trigger a different system reaction—for example, sounding an audible alarm or automatically reducing vehicle speed.
Winning solution ELOshield
OEM-independent
ELOshield is OEM-independent, so it is ideal for mixed fleets. The proximity detection system works on robots, cobots (collaborative robots) and AGVs (automated guided vehicles), as well as forklifts and other industrial vehicles.
Easy to install
ELOshield can be installed on any type of forklift truck – any brand, any age. Our innovative proximity detection systems can be fitted to new forklift trucks or retrofitted on your existing fleet.
This enables us to react quickly and flexibly to individual customer requirements.
The benefits of ELOshield are clear
- Safer, more efficient material handling
- Automatic detection of pedestrians near lift trucks
- Flexible zones, customizable for your site
- Extended range for maximum protection
- Protection for up to 500 employees
- Compatible with all major forklift makes / models
Want to learn more about ELOshield?
How it works
UWB proximity detection system
ELOshield uses ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless technology to prevent collisions between vehicles and people. Active UWB tags warn pedestrians with audible, visible and vibration alarms. Vehicle-mounted devices monitor “Warning” and “Protection” zones around moving lift trucks. And a fixed-site version of the system monitors accident-prone areas, such as high-traffic aisle intersections.
NOTE: The 3D animation presented here reflects a general, conceptual view of how ELOshield works. It does not necessarily depict how the system will operate in a specific environment. It is not a guarantee or warranty of operability. Since conditions differ from site to site, customers should work closely with us to review facility-specific requirements and define expectations for the system. Also, ELOshield is an assistance system, not fully automated; it can only support drivers and pedestrians within specified system limits. The ultimate responsibility to remain alert and operate safely always rests with vehicle drivers and pedestrians.
ELOshield at a glance
ELOshieldGO
Pedestrian Detection
Vehicle to Pedestrian
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ELO shieldGO | Pedestrian Detection – Vehicle to Pedestrian
As a proximity detection system, ELOshield includes modules for both lift trucks and the pedestrians who work near them. The truck module transmits a radio signal that is received and reflected by each pedestrian’s personal module. The personal module can be worn as an UWB tag or integrated into a high-visibility safety vest. The system detects the distance between the lift truck and tagged pedestrians at all times, using the radio signal’s “run-time” measurement. If a pedestrian gets too close to a lift truck, the truck driver receives both visual and acoustic alerts. At the same time, ELOshield automatically slows the vehicle to walking speed. And the pedestrian is also warned by a loud acoustic signal and an adjustable vibration alarm, built right into the personal module.
Detection range of 3 to 50 feet
ELOshield provides two programmable detection zones—“Warning” and “Protection.” These zones can trigger different system reactions, automatically. From visual/audible/vibration alarms to vehicle slow-down and/or stop.
Innovative UWB technology
Thanks to UWB technology, ELOshield can detect people through materials—it does not depend on line-of-sight. There are no dead zones, and multiple persons can be detected simultaneously. The system is also weather-resistant and insensitive to dirt and light. The system’s personal modules are powered by reliable, rechargeable batteries incorporating the latest smartphone technology.
Driver acknowledgements
When an alarm occurs, ELOshield requires the lift truck driver to press a button (within an adjustable time period) to acknowledge it. The driver also presses a button to prevent the truck module from sensing his own personal module while he’s in the cab (which would create a false alarm). But when the driver leaves the cab, his personal module automatically reactivates, so the system will see him as a pedestrian.
Want to learn more?
We’d be happy to show you how ELOshield prevents accidents between lift trucks and pedestrians.
ELOshieldDRIVE
Collision Warning
Vehicle to Vehicle
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ELO shieldDRIVE | Collision Warning – Vehicle to Vehicle
With the "collision warning" version of ELOshield, each lift truck is equipped with a transmit/receive module that detects other lift trucks, as well as pedestrians. With this system, when lift trucks get too close to each other, both vehicles emit acoustic and visual warnings. And both trucks can also be slowed to walking speed, automatically.
Total flexibility thanks to freely configurable zones
ELOshield’s customized zones allow, for example, two vehicles to enter an intersection at the same time. The assistance system can now be programmed to enable forklifts to enter at specific points, e.g. at gate entrances. And if a forklift approaches a gate entrance which it is not authorized to use, the customer can request that the system actively intervenes in the vehicle’s operation.
Semi-autonomous intervention
The assistance system can be set to intervene semi-autonomously in the vehicle’s operation: one option is automatic braking of the vehicle in a dangerous situation. It can also be used to warn drivers and pedestrians who are in close proximity to each other by means of visual, acoustic or vibrating warning signals. The system can also automatically brake both vehicles to a very slow speed.
Want to learn more?
We’d be happy to show you how ELOshield prevents vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.
ELOshieldZONE
Proximity Detection
Zoning
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ELO shieldZONE | Fixed-Position Proximity Detection
With the "fixed-position monitoring" version of ELOshield, several transponder modules are installed above gates, aisle entrances, or other high-traffic areas. These modules reflect radio signals from approaching lift trucks. If one truck comes too close to another in the monitored zone, the system slows the truck down and sends the driver an acoustic or visual signal.
Business Cases
Depending on the transponder modules and the monitored area, different signals can be transmitted to the lift trucks. For example, if one aisle crossing is less busy than another, truck speeds may not need to be reduced as much there as they are in higher-traffic crossings. On the other hand, if an aisle crossing is prone to accidents, the system may need to reduce the speed of approaching lift trucks dramatically.
ELOshield’s fixed-position modules can also be connected to rotating beacons or acoustic signals on racking, to signal the potential danger of approaching lift trucks.
Want to learn more?
We’d be glad to show you how ELOshield safeguards high-traffic areas in warehouses.
ELOshieldSPEED
Speed adaptation
Zoning
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ELO shieldSPEED | Automatic Speed Adaption
Where the risk in warehouses or production is particularly high, because, for example, mobile robots, AGVs and humans work in close proximity, this functionality can be used to define individual danger zones. Vehicles entering the zone are automatically braked to the intended speed. As soon as the vehicle leaves the defined zone, the original speed is automatically resumed.
Individually defined areas
In order to provide special protection for an extensive area of the warehouse where, for example, people, robots and industrial trucks work together, the innovative system automatically intervenes when people enter the warehouse. The part of the warehouse is individually defined during installation and the entrances and exits are equipped with stationary modules that communicate with the industrial trucks. Customer requirements can be implemented individually, as a part of a warehouse or even entire halls can be defined as a hazardous area.
Automatic speed adaptation
High risk areas require special protection, which is implemented by an automatically adjusted speed. As soon as the vehicles drive into the defined area and the vehicle sets detect the antennas, the speed of the vehicles for the area can be reduced. As soon as the vehicle is outside the danger zone, it is automatically returned to normal speed.
Want to learn more?
We’d be happy to show you how ELOshield prevents vehicle-to-vehicle collisions.
Prevent unnecessary damage to your automated guided vehicles. With the ELOshield AGV module.
With the ELOshield AGV module, accidents between automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and other industrial trucks (forklifts, etc.) equipped with the ELOshield system can be avoided and warehouse safety increased. The AGV module corresponds to a UWB hardware device that acts as a stand-alone antenna and has a detection range of up to 49 ft.
ELOshield is an extra layer of protection in material handling that was ideal for our specific requirements, including making work safer for a deaf employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of forklift proximity detection and warning systems?
The benefits of a forklift proximity detection and warning system like ELOshield are:
- Significantly reduces operational downtime resulting from workforce injuries and incident recordables
- Reduction or elimination of infrastructure damage resulting in greater operational up-time and increased productivity
- Safer and more efficient material handling
- Real-time detection of pedestrians near lift trucks
- Real-time detection of lift trucks near other forklifts or AGVs
- Customizable proximity breach distances tailored specifically to your needs
- Protection and awareness for any number of pedestrians, vehicles, or high-risk areas
How does a forklift pedestrian detection system actually work?
A proximity detection system like our ELOshield uses ultra-wideband (UWB) communication signals to bring awareness to forklift operators and near-by pedestrians outfitted with wearables.
When someone breaches a customizable detection zone to a forklift - or other industrial equipment - both the vehicle operator and pedestrian are alerted in real-time with audible, visual, and haptic alerts.
In addition to the audible, visual, and haptic alerts, the ELOshield system can be configured to activate speed reduction capabilities which slow the vehicles to a creep speed, further reducing the risk of impact to pedestrians, other vehicles and infrastructure.
How customizable are the ELOshield proximity detection zones?
The ELOshield proximity detection zones are extremely customizable. There are several levels of accountability concerning proximity detection; each one is uniquely configurable based on your specific safety goals and application.
Levels of Accountability:
- Level 1 - Warning Zone: This zone is commonly configured as the first and widest level of proximity detection, visualized with yellow indicators on the truck module and pedestrian wearable.
- Level 2 - Danger Zone: This zone is commonly configured as the second and tightest level of proximity detection visualized, with red indicators on the truck module and pedestrian wearable.
- Dual Zone Configuration: The Warning Zone and the Danger Zone can be identically configured so that the equipment operator and the pedestrian receive the highest level of alerts immediately when the first zone is breached.
Proximity Detection Zone Areas
ELOshield proximity detection zone areas can be defined as:
- Circular
- Rectangular
- Custom shapes tailor fitted to your environment
Proximity Detection Range: Typically, up to ~25 meters (80 ft)
Do pedestrians need to carry a wearable or device?
The ELOshield ultra-wideband (UWB) system can be implemented with pedestrian wearables but isn’t always required.
When the personal transponders are being carried by workers, the wearable enables the truck mounted module to precisely detect the worker - and other vehicles - in real-time even through obstacles like racking or pallets.
Systems like our ELOvision offer tag-less AI camera-based detection.
What happens when a pedestrian gets too close to a forklift?
With ELOshield installed, when a pedestrian gets too close to a forklift, all employees carrying a transponder in the breached zone are alerted, including the forklift operator.
Proximity Alerts Include:
- The forklift operator is alerted in real-time by visual and audible signals from the truck mounted module
- Pedestrians are alerted in real-time with visual, audible, and haptic signals emitted from their wearable
Beyond visual, audible, and haptic alerts, the ELOshield system can be configured to reduce the vehicles' speed, thus further reducing the risk of incidents.
Can ELOshield help detect pedestrians and forklifts through racks, or blind spots?
Yes. This is a major advantage of our ultra-wideband (UWB) systems.
With the use of UWB technology, ELOshield can detect pedestrians through obstacles, like pallets and racking, or around blind spots without triggering false alarms.
This is why UWB is often preferred over camera-only systems in dense warehouse environments.
Can ELOshield help prevent forklift-to-forklift collisions too?
Yes. The ELOshield system can detect vehicle-to-vehicle proximity, helping to prevent forklift-to-forklift collisions.
This ability makes ELOshield especially valuable in high-traffic or multi-truck environments.
Can ELOshield be installed on my existing forklift fleet and infrastructure?
Yes. Our ELOshield proximity detection and warning safety system is OEM agnostic and has been designed for ease of installation and use with your current fleet.
No changes to your organization's forklift fleet or infrastructure are required for the installation and usage of ELOshield.
Is ELOshield compatible with mixed fleets or older forklifts?
Yes. ELOshield can be retrofitted onto any brand or age of forklift.
Whether your fleet of vehicles is manufactured by a single brand or a mix of multiple brands.
No changes to your organization's forklift fleet or infrastructure are required for the installation and usage of ELOshield.
Can ELOshield be installed on vehicles other than forklifts?
Yes. ELOshield works on a wide variety of material handling vehicles that you may have in your warehouse.
Vehicle types include but are not limited to:
- Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
- Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
- Cobots
- Humanoid Robots
ELOshield is also effective for collision detection and avoidance as a fixed installation for warehouse zones like:
- Intersections
- Loading docks
- Pedestrian crossings
- Narrow corridors
- Freight elevators
How long does ELOshield installation take?
The ELOshield Installation timeline depends on the scope of the project; such as fleet size and the number of sites. ELOKON supports structured implementation planning to minimize downtime and ensure the system can be rolled out efficiently and reliably.
More Information
Want to see ELOshield in action?
We'd be happy to give you a free demonstration of our award winning solution.
ELOshield Proximity Detection
Flyer (pdf)
ELOshield AGV module
Fact Sheet (pdf)
Technical Specifications
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