Our machines have GPS monitoring of parameters, faults, and geo location

Amarnath Ramachandran
Managing Director, ARX Mining & Construction Equipment

What are the key safety features integrated into your equipment? What new advancements have been introduced in your equipment to enhance operator safety? How do your machines handle features like collision avoidance systems, operator presence detection, or fatigue monitoring?

The Arx machines are state-of-the-art and designed with advanced safety features to prevent accidents, enhance visibility, for the safety of the operators and site personnel.

We have a whole slew of interlocks in place, to to protect the transmission and other critical components from damage. We have dual circuit independent braking systems which are backed up by brake accumulators which are adequately sized to ensure ten full stops after engine or brake/steering pump failure. The dual brake circuit which has independent cross connections to the wheel heads on the bogey axles ensures that in the event of any component like a hose or fitting or even the seals in the wheel head fails, the secondary circuit will kick in and stop the machine.

Our machines have GPS monitoring of parameters, faults, and geo location. In addition to these, the machines are fitted with a collision sending radar which will alert the operator that there is an obstruction in the path of the machine.

We also have an optional fully autonomous emergency braking system, wherein the machine will stop automatically in the event of the operator failing to react in a timely manner.

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

A Collision avoidance AEBS system is available as an option. This comprises of an array of ultra sound radars which pick up the exact distance and orientation of the obstruction, after this distance is fed in to the vehicle controller a proportional electronic signal is send to the brake actuating valve which will commence braking along with an audible alert. The operator can also simultaneously brake if he so desires as the system takes both inputs. In the event of the operator failing to react in time, the system will stop the machine.  Operator presence and fatigue monitoring systems are available off the shelf now.

What safety protocols and practices does your equipment manufacturing facility implement to ensure a secure working environment? 

At our factory, we follow safety protocols and best practices to ensure a secure working environment. All lifting and handling tasks are carried out only by highly skilled and designated operators. We constantly pair them with semi-skilled people to impart training continuously to pick-up hands-on knowledge. People are qualified for various levels of activity based on continuous grading of a skill matrix.

Some other initiatives in place are:

•  Usage of appropriate PPE,

•  Machine safeguards like safety interlocks mentioned above, emergency stop buttons, adequate barriers while testing and transport

•  Inspecting, calibrating and maintenance of tools and equipment

•  Any incidents that occur are documented with a root cause analysis to identify the cause and implement measures to prevent recurrence.