Brigade Electronics has introduced Backsense, a radar-based visual warning system designed to reduce blind spot hazards on construction machinery. The system combines radar technology with display warnings on a monitor in the driver's cab and primarily targets applications for mobile cranes and tower cranes, as the British safety technology specialist reports.
Particularly with mobile tower cranes, visibility in the near field presents a persistent challenge. While the crane operator from an elevated position focuses primarily on the load area, critical blind spots develop in the immediate slewing area of the upper carriage and in the area of the outriggers. The Backsense system is intended to monitor these hazard zones through real-time visualization of moving and static objects on an in-cab display.
The technology is based on radar sensors, which unlike camera-based systems also function in poor visibility, darkness, or heavy dust development. For manufacturers such as Spierings Mobile Cranes, which specialize in compact mobile tower cranes for inner-city operations, this could become relevant – especially at confined construction sites with public traffic.
Currently, there are no binding EU-wide regulations for equipping mobile tower cranes with electronic near-field warning systems. While the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC requires risk assessment and appropriate measures to minimize hazards, it leaves the concrete implementation to manufacturers. In Germany, the DGUV Rule 100-500 requires induction by a second person in case of restricted visibility – a system like Backsense could serve as a technical measure here.
The implementation of such systems presents both technical and economic challenges for crane manufacturers. Integration into existing remote control and telemetry architectures requires modifications to cabin electronics and software interfaces. Additionally, sensors must be positioned so that they cover the entire critical slewing area of the upper carriage without compromising structural integrity or aerodynamics.
Brigade Electronics has not published pricing information for the Backsense system. Typically, retrofit radar warning systems for construction machinery range in the low four-digit euro range per unit; with OEM integration, costs can be reduced through economies of scale. For fleet operators, amortization is calculated through reduced accident costs and insurance premiums – however, reliable industry data on ROI duration is scarce.
Other crane manufacturers have already developed different approaches to improve near-field safety. Liebherr uses camera systems with 360-degree view function on its tower cranes, while SENNEBOGEN uses ultrasonic sensors in combination with optical warning signals on material handling machines. However, industry-wide standardization of the technology is still lacking.
For the construction machinery industry, the development of such systems could become a competitive factor in the medium term – particularly if insurers grant premium advantages for fleets demonstrably equipped with warning systems or if public contractors include corresponding requirements in tenders. EU-wide regulation modeled on the mandatory reversing camera requirement for passenger cars is not foreseeable at present, but would significantly accelerate market penetration.
