The Level 9 system can control propulsion and braking when defined safety thresholds are breached.
Hexagon announced the global launch of its next-generation Vehicle Intervention System (VIS), a safety solution for surface mining operations that can intervene in certain situations to help prevent collisions.
The new VIS builds on Hexagon’s existing VIS platform, adding autonomous intervention capabilities and extending its coverage to additional mining safety scenarios.
As an EMESRT (Earthmoving Equipment Safety Round Table) Level 9 vehicle intervention system, VIS can automatically control a machine in defined high-risk situations when specified safety thresholds are exceeded. The system is designed to help prevent incidents and protect personnel.
The launch follows the system’s completion of the University of Pretoria’s independent Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL4) validation program. Hexagon said VIS is the first open-pit Level 9 solution to complete this validation milestone.
Built on Hexagon’s Collision Avoidance System (CAS) and safety portfolio, VIS provides an intervention layer for situations in which advisory controls are not sufficient. The system can inhibit propulsion, apply retardation or braking, maintain safe following distances, manage overspeed conditions including on ramps and bring a vehicle to a safe state when a critical system fault is detected.
Key capabilities include:
- Collision prevention: Automatically intervenes to help prevent vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-person and vehicle-to-obstacle collisions.
- Rule enforcement: Supports speed limits and following-distance requirements during vehicle operation.
- Fail-safe protection: Monitors system status and places vehicles in a safe state when a critical fault is detected.
- OEM flexibility: Supports different vehicle types and manufacturers without requiring an OEM-specific system.
VIS has been deployed in production environments since 2018 and has been used in mining operations across four continents. The next-generation platform builds on this deployment history while expanding intervention coverage and refining system performance for current mining requirements.
The launch is part of Hexagon’s safety portfolio, which includes collision avoidance, vehicle intervention, 4D radar sensing, operator awareness and safety analytics. These technologies are used to detect hazards, manage vehicle risks and support safety processes in mining operations.
For more information, visit hexagon.com.
