John Deere improves job site safety with new object detection technology

John Deere has added to its portfolio of job site safety solutions and technology with SmartDetect, which is now available on utility-class and production-class loaders. The technology is based on John Deere's object detection and vision solutions, and uses a combination of cameras, radar, and machine learning tools to enhance overall situational awareness, providing informed visibility to an operator's surroundings. 

"SmartDetect is a crucial addition to our portfolio of precision construction technology solutions, designed to help operators confidently navigate and maximize productivity on busy construction sites," said Katie Voelliger, product marketing manager at John Deere. "Safety is a shared responsibility, and we're excited to continue developing solutions that empower operators to work more safely and effectively."

Improving job site safety through operator awareness

To enhance operator visibility, perception, and awareness, SmartDetect utilizes the machine's integrated digital cameras and a dedicated rearview high-resolution monitor to supplement the operator's job site visibility. The stereo camera on the rear of the machine enables depth perception to identify and classify known objects, further improving awareness. 

"Our customers continue to tell us technology solutions that assist operators in identifying the most valued asset on their job sites, their people, is an area of high importance to them," said Nathan Demski, job site safety product manager at John Deere. "Operators work long days and it's not easy for them to remain at the peak of situational awareness throughout the day," he said. "SmartDetect is another tool in the toolbox that they can use to help improve their confidence and be more aware of what's around them on the job site."

Detection alerts for objects and people in a machine's path

The SmartDetect system alerts operators when an object enters the machine's projected travel path and provides unique detection alerts for the operator, as well as people in the camera's field of view. Visual cues and bounding boxes are shown to the operator, helping to distinguish and highlight any obstacle type. By identifying fixed or moving objects such as people, poles, structures, or other machinery, vision technology provides critical information to the operator.