New sensors enable autonomous operations for heavy-duty industrial vehicles

Honeywell’s new Transportation Attitude Reference Sensor (TARS) is a packaged sensor array that enables autonomous vehicle characteristics and enhances efficiency for heavy-duty, off-highway vehicles. The sensor can report vehicle angular rate, acceleration and inclination data for construction equipment, such as excavators, skid steer loaders and backhoes. The TARS inertial measurement unit integrates with a vehicle’s electronic control unit to provide actionable information about the movement of the machine. For example, the system can limit wheel slippage incidents by sensing vehicle movement. If it identifies traction loss, the vehicle’s control system could be programmed to reduce power to the wheels to prevent an accident automatically. “Heavy-duty machinery, such as construction vehicles, require skilled, experienced operators to perform complex tasks deftly. An operator error can impede the project schedule or even put worker safety at risk,” said Graham Robinson, president of Honeywell’s Sensing and Internet of Things business. “Our new series of transportation sensors can enable ‘intelligent vehicles’ by allowing for the autonomy of individual equipment functions. This minimises the risk of operator errors and enables precise movements in challenging work environments.” The sensor can be used in a range of applications, including equipment control, linear position, bucket control, vehicle stability control and operator-assisted control.