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Last month, Hexagon globally launched its next-generation Vehicle Intervention System (VIS), an advanced safety solution designed to help surface mining operations prevent collisions. The system represents the latest evolution of Hexagon’s proven VIS platform, extending autonomous intervention capabilities and broadening protection across critical mining scenarios.
As an EMESRT (Earthmoving Equipment Safety Round Table) Level 9 vehicle intervention system, VIS can automatically take control of a machine in defined high-risk situations when safety thresholds are breached, helping to prevent incidents, protect personnel and support operational continuity.
The launch follows the system’s successful completion of the University of Pretoria’s independent Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL4) validation program, making it the first open-pit Level 9 solution to achieve this milestone.
Built on Hexagon’s Collision Avoidance System and integrated safety portfolio, VIS provides a final layer of protection when advisory controls alone are insufficient. The system can automatically inhibit propulsion, apply retardation or braking, enforce safe following distances, manage overspeed conditions, including on ramps, and bring a vehicle to a safe state if a critical system fault is detected.
Key capabilities include:
- Collision prevention. Autonomously intervenes to help prevent vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-person, and vehicle- to-obstacle collisions.
- Rule enforcement. Supports safer operation by enforcing speed limits and following-distance requirements.
- Fail-safe protection. Continuously monitors system health and places vehicles in a safe state if it detects a critical fault.
- OEM flexibility. Supports a broad range of vehicle types and manufacturers without OEM lock-in.
“Surface mining operators continue to face complex safety challenges in dynamic environments where visibility, fatigue, environmental conditions and human factors can contribute to risk,” explained Dave Goddard, president of Hexagon’s Mining Division.
“When milliseconds matter, mines need technology that can act decisively. The next generation of VIS builds on years of operational experience and proven deployments to provide the highest level of intervention available, helping customers protect people, equipment and productivity.”
VIS has been deployed in production environments since 2018 and has supported mining operations across four continents. The next-generation platform builds on that operational foundation while expanding intervention coverage and improving system precision to address evolving industry requirements.
The post Hexagon launches next-generation VIS for surface mines first appeared on North American Mining Magazine.