Ajax integrates automation, AI, and IoT-based technologies to improve equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and safety

Shubhabrata Saha
MD & CEO, AJAX Engineering

What are the key safety features integrated into your equipment? What new advancements have been introduced in your equipment to enhance operator safety?

At Ajax Engineering Limited, safety is more than a priority—it is a fundamental principle that drives our innovations in concrete equipment manufacturing. We integrate advanced technologies and rigorous design protocols to ensure operator well-being, minimize risks, and enhance overall worksite security.

Our Self-Loading Concrete Mixers (SLCMs) incorporate electronically controlled engines that automatically shift to a secure mode if any abnormalities are detected, ensuring smooth and controlled performance. Enhanced visibility solutions, including safety glass, improve clarity in confined spaces such as tunnels and under bridges. Additionally, external drum and water pump control units minimize unnecessary operator movement, reducing fatigue and preventing potential accidents.

For Boom Pumps, wireless radio remote control enhances operational safety by allowing the operator to control the machine from a safe distance, particularly in tight and hazardous site conditions. To prevent unintended movements, these safety interlocks ensure that the boom arm is properly rested before permitting the truck to move. Limit switches and mechanical stoppers further improves this by restricting excessive boom swiveling, protecting both the operator and the machine. The inclusion of a hopper limit switch prevents unintended material flow, reducing the risk of operator injury.

How do you ensure compliance with national and international safety standards in your equipment?

Currently exporting to over 45 countries across the globe, Ajax Engineering adheres to stringent national and international safety regulations, ensuring that every machine meets or exceeds industry requirements. Our Self-Loading Concrete Mixers (SLCM) and Stationary Boom Pumps (SPBP) conform to strict safety norms and are ARAI-certified, covering operational, environmental, and noise control measures. Additionally, our Boom Pumps, Concrete Pumps, and Batching Plants utilize components that comply with ISO, CE, and TÜV certifications, reinforcing product reliability, and durability. Each machine undergoes rigorous testing and validation to ensure seamless performance in diverse conditions while maintaining the highest operator safety standards.

How do your machines handle features like collision avoidance systems, operator presence detection, or fatigue monitoring?

We prioritize active and passive safety systems to enhance operational security and prevent accidents. Our Self-Loading Concrete Mixers (SLCM) are equipped with rear-view cameras, ensuring improved visibility, reducing blind spots, and preventing collisions in high-traffic construction zones. For Boom Pumps, our Safe Concreting Zone (SCZ) technology enables controlled and precise concrete pumping in confined spaces. This ensures safer machine operation even in restricted environments.

Operator presence detection and movement restrictions are critical in preventing accidents. Our safety interlocks prevent truck movement unless the boom arm is properly secured, ensuring there is no unexpected motion during operation. Similarly, boom swivelling mechanisms are equipped with limit switches and mechanical stoppers, preventing excessive movement that could compromise safety. Hopper limit switches add another layer of protection by ensuring controlled material flow and preventing accidental operator contact with moving parts.

How does your company incorporate automation and digital technologies (such as telematics, AI, and IoT) to improve equipment safety? How does your company approach the ergonomics of operator cabins and control systems to enhance safety and reduce fatigue-related accidents?

As a forward-thinking company, Ajax integrates automation, AI, and IoT-based technologies to improve equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and safety. Our recently launched SmartBots, powered by Concrete AI, continue to guide professionals, students, and suppliers by assisting with troubleshooting, optimizing concrete mix designs, and ensuring adherence to safety standards, ultimately enhancing overall construction quality, reliability, and workplace safety.

The Telematics (IoT) systems at Ajax allow for real-time machine monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics, reducing unexpected failures and ensuring operators are alerted to potential issues before they escalate. This digital connectivity enhances fleet management, performance tracking, and preventive maintenance, ensuring equipment reliability and minimizing downtime.

Incorporating digital displays in our machines has further improved safety and ease of operation. These interfaces provide real-time data on machine parameters, performance indicators, and operator guidance, thereby reducing the likelihood of human error and enhancing decision-making efficiency.

How do you conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments at your manufacturing plants?

At Ajax Engineering, safety audits and risk assessments are integral to our manufacturing process. Our Risk Assessment Committee conducts regular shop floor evaluations, analysing potential hazards and implementing preventive protection measures.

For high-altitude operations, we have top lifeline and fall protection systems in place, ensuring workers using overhead cranes have a secure anchoring mechanism. Similarly, workers using ladders benefit from our vertical lifeline system, which enhances stability and minimizes fall risks. These proactive measures reinforce a culture of workplace wellbeing, ensuring compliance with the highest industry safety standards.

What kind of regular health check-ups and wellness programs are conducted for workers and how frequently?

We place a paramount focus on the welfare of our workforce, understanding that a healthy and thriving team is integral to maintaining operational efficiency, and productivity. To mitigate occupational health risks, regular comprehensive annual health check-ups are being conducted for both employees and business associates.

Moreover, we facilitate expert-led medical awareness programs aimed at educating our team on preventive and proactive health strategies. Ajax is focused on addressing preventable eye blindness through specialized eye health camps across plant locations.  Our unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of employees reaches beyond our internal team, encompassing logistics partners and drivers who endure demanding working conditions.

At Ajax Engineering Limited, we remain steadfast in our commitment to engineering safer, smarter, and more efficient construction solutions. Through continuous innovation and proactive risk management, we ensure that operator well-being and workplace safety remain at the forefront of our operations. By integrating advanced features such as automation, and AI-driven solutions, we are redefining the future of concrete equipment manufacturing—making worksites safer, more efficient, and technologically advanced.