Logistics gets four eyes…

When a driver’s eyes can’t be everywhere at once, advanced technology can often be relied upon to avoid accidents and personal injury. This is true even in a warehouse environment, where forklift drivers frequently have to manoeuvre their vehicles through tight spaces – sometimes with expensive consequences.

This is why Bosch has now introduced its multi-camera system to the logistics market. The system consists of a control unit, plus four compact near-range cameras. Working together, they can capture an area measuring eight by eight meters and can provide a full 360° view around the forklift – even if it is carrying bulky freight.

The system helps the forklift driver to manoeuvre with precision and makes it possible to estimate distances more accurately while on the move. The cameras were originally designed for Bosch’s passenger-car segment, but have now been adapted for the special needs of the logistics market.

Drivers see a realistic representation of their vehicle as a detailed 3D model on a display. As the vehicle moves, the display adjusts the view of its surroundings in real time.

To better suit the vehicle’s purpose, the manufacturer can preconfigure the screen to display individual or 360° views, as well as full- or split-screen views. The driver then can choose the best view for the task at hand from the pre-programmed options.

The multi-camera system can visually project the vehicle’s immediate path over the forward, rear, or top view. To achieve this, the control unit measures the steering angle, calculates the resulting route, and shows it on the display. If the steering angle changes, the system recalculates the route and adapts the display accordingly.