Eurovia Surfacing is the first contractor in the UK and Europe to deploy smart rollers that can spot people in their path.
Eurovia is using BOMAG 174 rollers equipped with both Safety Shield AI human detection and BOMAG’s Emergency Brake Assist system to prevent collisions and protect operatives and the public.
The Safety Shield technology operates via sensors that monitor two safety zones around the machine: a 5m caution zone and a 2m critical zone. When movement is detected in these zones, the system triggers real-time alerts inside the cab and externally. An additional red Safety Shield halo light on the ground provides operatives with a clear, immediate visual warning for night working.
BOMAG’s Emergency Brake Assist system identifies potentially hazardous situations at an early stage. If a person fails to exit the danger zone or an obstacle is detected in the roller’s path, it slows automatically, halting if necessary. The roller will then continue at its original pre-defined speed once the person or object has left the critical area. Only people or obstacles that are in the roller’s drum direction will activate the system, ensuring that no unnecessary interventions are initiated.
“We believe this is the future of plant safety,” said Paul Kidd, development director at Eurovia. “These intelligent rollers are not only innovative, they’re also essential.”
The set-up was developed with input from site teams. Eurovia site foreman Justin Willis added: “It’s the perfect machine, something we should have on every site.”
