Clairvoyance Orb

Clairvoyance Orb

360-vision aid for machine operators

Programme: Mechanical Engineering / Industrial Economy

Course: MT2569 – Design Thinking

Corporate partner: Volvo Construction Equipment

Challenge: Lack of oversight on construction sites, risk of accidents because of pedestrians or other workers walking into the site.

Solution: There’s always a risk of accidents when people work around machines. One reason for these accidents is the lack of situational awareness. Our solution was developed to help operators be more aware of their surroundings through a 360 camera connected to a tablet in the cabin, that is also more accessible because of it cheapness. This product also has an integrated thermal sensor that helps track targets automatically and thereby allow the operator to focus on their work while also being notified about any person or animal getting too close.

Impact: The increased situational awareness to the operator enabled by the 360 vision would reduce the risk of human error. Workers and pedestrians are always on the move, it could be hard for the machine operator to keep track of everyone, so the solution would help the machine operator to not miss any human. Accidents could prove fatal around heavy machinery, and it only takes one bad day to slip up, this solution will mitigate that risk.

Prototypes: The prototype consists of a tablet within a construction vehicle’s cabin, a reflective metal sphere, and a camera, all aimed at improving operator situational awareness. The camera tracks thermal targets and displays them on the tablet. Testing revealed that factors like camera focus and sphere size affect image quality and the blind spot’s size. The prototype will be used in construction vehicles to help operators monitor potential hazards, even when direct visibility is obstructed.

Quotes from sponsor/partner: –

Project team:

  • Alexandra Flymén
  • Kevin Larsson
  • Naroa López

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