Search Results for: safety

NXP Semiconductors N.V and DAF Trucks have successfully demonstrated self-driving technologies in automated trucks. The demonstration is part of the European Truck Platooning Challenge, an event organised by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, that has trucks driving in columns (platooning) on public roads from several European cities to the Netherlands. The challenge is designed to bring autonomous platooning one step closer to implementation by showcasing economic, traffic management and safety advantages. It also addresses the need for legislation and standardisation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) across Europe, as current rules and regulations regarding speed and distance vary between countries.

Under the EcoTwin consortium, NXP, DAF, TNO and Ricardo joined forces to make this demonstration possible. The core of the ‘EcoTwin’ technology setup is a sophisticated vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications solution, RoadLINK, developed by NXP. It uses the wireless communications standard IEEE 802.11p combined with NXP radar technology to empower the trucks within the platoon to securely exchange information in real time and automatically brake and accelerate in response to the lead truck. The high speed of communication and responsiveness of NXP RoadLINK technology allows extremely tight distances and truly synchronous driving between the platooning DAF Trucks: To demonstrate autonomous acceleration and braking, the planned distance between the vehicles is slated for 0.5 seconds – which, when traveling at 80 kph (50 mph), translates to a distance of only 10 metres (30 feet). The responsiveness of the trailing truck within the platoon is estimated at 25 times faster than the average human reaction time of o ne second – saving critical time in case of emergency braking.

The RoadLINK communication system designed by NXP is built into the mirrors of the DAF Trucks participating in the platoon. The redundant NXP V2V system design with four secure channels ensures extremely reliable communication. In addition to providing the platooning commands, it provides real time video and bi-directional audio communication between the two vehicles. The audio allows the drivers to talk to each other without relying on other communication channels, such as cellular networks. Furthermore, the V2V powered camera in the lead truck streams what it “sees” to the driver in the trailing truck, providing a clear look at the road ahead.

“We’re honoured to be part of the European Truck Platooning Challenge as a key partner and provider of the secure vehicle-to-vehicle and radar technologies for the DAF trucks – DAF and other truck platoons will use our technology to complete their journey safely and effectively,” said Torsten Lehmann, senior vice president of Car Infotainment and Driver Assistance for NXP. “As a clear industry leader in driving adoption of Vehicle-to-X technologies, NXP is helping to improve fuel efficiency, emissions, safety, and traffic flow in the European Union, while avoiding accidents and saving lives.”

“It goes without saying that there is still a lot of continued development required before we can introduce platooning as a new technology on the market,” says Ron Borsboom, member of DAF Trucks’ Board of Management and responsible for product development. “This is definitely not a process that will be complete before 2020. There is still a great deal that has to be sorted out in terms of legislation, liability and acceptance. In conjunction with NXP, TNO, and Ricardo, we will be demonstrating during the European Truck Platooning Challenge that truck platooning is technically possible. This demonstration should pave the way for truck manufacturers to be allowed to carry out further testing of the technology on public roads in order to acquire even more experience. It is now up to politicians to make this possible.”

Uncategorised - April 6, 2016;

Logistics BusinessNXP Semiconductors N.V and DAF Trucks have successfully demonstrated self-driving technologies in automated trucks. The demonstration is part of the European Truck Platooning Challenge, an event organised by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, that has trucks driving in columns (platooning) on public roads from several European cities to the Netherlands. The challenge is designed to bring autonomous platooning one step closer to implementation by showcasing economic, traffic management and safety advantages. It also addresses the need for legislation and standardisation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) across Europe, as current rules and regulations regarding speed and distance vary between countries. <br src=

Under an exclusive agreement, XPO Logistics will continue to be responsible for the planning and execution of 100% of the transport requirements of SCC-Sociedade Central de Cervejas e Bebidas (HEINEKEN Group) until 2018. Sociedade Central de Cervejas e Bebidas produces and commercialises malt and beer products brewed and bottled at its Vialonga plant, including the line of SAGRES® alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers. The SCC portfolio includes some of the most prestigious international brands, such as the premium beer Heineken®. SCC owns an additional production facility in Vacariça where natural spring mineral waters are collected and bottled under the brands LUSO® and CRUZEIRO®, and also the distribution company NOVADIS. This is the second time that SCC has renewed its contract with XPO in Portugal since 2006.

Acting as a control tower, XPO Logistics teams are responsible for optimising SCC’s transport flows to guarantee 24-hour delivery to over 200 locations. The products move from SCC´s Portuguese production sites and logistics platforms to its retail customers and distributors, with additional direct deliveries to hypermarkets, cash-and-carry stores and other outlets. Transport reliability is critical, as volumes can exceed 28,000 loads annually (representing over 636,000 tons of products), with important seasonal peaks.

KeyPL is a pan-European collaborative transport solution exclusive to XPO Logistics that, the company says, “provides superior control and optimization of freight flows, with the goal of delivering added-value services to customers. KeyPL capabilities are fully integrated with the customer’s supply chain by skilled and dedicated teams acting as a control tower. The teams use proprietary technology to select, manage and monitor the best transport provider, mode and route for each shipment. Capabilities include the use of online real-time track and trace technology and POD management tools.”

According to XPO, KeyPL allows for better visibility and control of performance, as well as more effective planning, greater cost efficiencies in procurement and continuous improvement methodologies. Additionally, KeyPL delivers significant value through the enforcement of safety and environmental standards.

Uncategorised - April 6, 2016;

Logistics BusinessUnder an exclusive agreement, XPO Logistics will continue to be responsible for the planning and execution of 100% of the transport requirements of SCC-Sociedade Central de Cervejas e Bebidas (HEINEKEN Group) until 2018. Sociedade Central de Cervejas e Bebidas produces and commercialises malt and beer products brewed and bottled at its Vialonga plant, including the line of SAGRES® alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers. The SCC portfolio includes some of the most prestigious international brands, such as the premium beer Heineken®. SCC owns an additional production facility in Vacariça where natural spring mineral waters are collected and bottled under the brands LUSO® and CRUZEIRO®, and also the distribution company NOVADIS. This is the second time that SCC has renewed its contract with XPO in Portugal since 2006. <br src=

Sentinel Systems is offering its customers the chance to experience its range of vehicle and camera safety solutions with a no-obligation trial of its systems.

The company says it has received some extremely successful orders as a result of its customers trialling the systems, which allows drivers and fleet operators the time to assess and evaluate each system effectively to find the right solution for their safety requirements.

Sentinel offers a wide range of vehicle safety and camera systems suitable for all heavy goods vehicles, including its award-winning Bike Hotspot cyclist detection system, auto-braking radar systems and many forward, side and rear facing cameras to enhance the visibility and safety awareness for vehicle drivers.

David Paulson, Managing Director of Sentinel Systems commented, “We have found that the trials we offer to customers are invaluable as they allow them the time to find the right package for their fleet. We work closely with each customer to set up the trial, sometimes on two vehicles, adapting the system to help them find exactly the right solution. From these trials we have been able to provide bespoke camera system packages, confident in the knowledge that the chosen solution is the most effective for their specific requirements. By working in this way customers come to understand our commitment to quality and engineering standards, which they experience first-hand.”

In the past, Sentinel Systems has worked with a number for fleet operators to supply a trial which has resulted in its systems being installed across more of the fleet. London-based civil engineering contractor, J B Riney & Co., is just one example of companies that have continued to use Sentinel Systems’ equipment following a successful trial.

Barry Parker, Head of Fleet at J B Riney & Co. commented, “We have been using Sentinel’s safety systems on our vehicles for several years since we were given the opportunity to trial their cyclists safety equipment. This system was presented to us as a particularly important solution for our vehicles as we operate daily in Central London and the surrounding boroughs. In trialling this system we were able to see how much this can improve the safety of our vehicles for both our drivers and pedestrians and cyclists, and we were overall very pleased with what the system offered.”

The company’s overall service extends beyond the installation as it offers comprehensive technical support from their experienced nationwide engineers. The team will also be on hand to provide all aftersales support via telephone and email regardless of the date of installation.

Uncategorised - April 1, 2016;

Logistics BusinessSentinel Systems is offering its customers the chance to experience its range of vehicle and camera safety solutions with a no-obligation trial of its systems. <br src=