Human Detection Sensor Could have Big Implications for Transportation and Industrial Automation

Device can detect humans and animals even when they are not moving

Olea Sensor Networks has developed a new sensor system that has the unique ability to differentiate between humans, animals and inanimate objects up to five-meters away.  Dubbed “OleaVision” the technology can sense distance for both moving and stationary applications.



This technology could represent a significant leap for pedestrian and bystander detection, animate-being detection (such as a sleeping child or pet accidentally left behind in a closed vehicle), collision avoidance, intrusion detection, fire safety and energy management for industries including:

·         Automotive/transportation

·         Industrial

·         Smart home

·         Security systems

OleaVision has the ability to “see” a living being, even through walls, regardless of whether the monitored subject is moving or motionless.

The ability to differentiate between human beings and other moving objects on the plant floor opens intriguing possibilities in industrial robotics. A “smart” guarding system for example, might differentiate between human hands and another robot’s end effector, allowing production machines to interact freely with each other while maintaining safety in case of human intervention. In autonomous vehicle operations on the shop floor and in the warehouse, replacement of simple proximally [proximity?] sensors with the technology could allow vehicles to operate in closer proximity to each other while maintaining OSHA compliant safety standards for workers.

Autonomously guided vehicles like this mold-handling robot from AVT Europe use proximity sensors for worker safety.



“Vehicle and industrial equipment producers are seeking advanced safety capabilities to prevent the many thousands of deaths that occur annually from vehicle and mobile industrial equipment colliding with pedestrians and bystanders. OleaVision can help to save these lives and significantly reduce the liabilities faced by OEM’s as well as vehicle and equipment operators,” explained Frank Morese, Olea CEO and founder. “OleaVision builds on the capabilities of our intelligent IoT sensor platform, which is based on our proprietary embedded advanced algorithms and sensor analytic technologies.”

With smart sensors, this sign might disappear from the factory floor

The Oleavision technology is an outgrowth of the firm’s OS-3001 Intelligent Multi-Sensor Platform, launched in 2013 specifically for non-clinical R&D use. The platform is a handheld/wearable, wireless, intelligent, multi-sensor data acquisition system in a form factor the size of a smartphone. It serves as a sensor hub with various on-board intelligent sensors. This third generation device does not require direct contact with the monitored subject and is designed for use with Olea’s sensor analytics software and, optionally, its Cloud-based service solutions.

Additional information about Olea is available at www.oleasys.com.  


Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.