Made's power line detection wins silver

Among the winners of Intermat's innovation awards was French company Made which received a silver award in the equipment and components category for its Sky Radio 2.0 system.

The original system, designed to alert drivers of concrete pumping equipment if they were too close to overhead power lines, was developed some seven years ago in cooperation with EDF (the French electricity company), the French concrete pumping union and the French association of accident prevention.

The system was found to be equally useful when applied to access equipment and Sky Radio is currently installed on over 1500 concrete pumps, concrete conveyors, truck mounted platforms and other lifting machines in Europe.

Sensors are positioned on areas of the machine at risk, simulating up to 13 detection points. When the sensors detect a power line, a radio signal transmits to a central unit which alerts the operator by the sound of a horn. The system can also be devised to prevent further movement of the equipment.

The new version, Sky Radio 2.0, includes more sensors, new software, the removal of antennae and a communication ‘double-check' which the company hopes will open up new applications particularly in the access industry.

Philippe Capon, export sales manager was keen to explain the additional cost benefits which arise from the prevention of accidents involving high voltage power lines. He said that, an accident involving a power line can result in the operator's death but even where serious injury is avoided: insurance fees; equipment immobilisation; repairs to power lines and equipment; administrative costs all quickly mount up.

The Sky Radio 2.0 system will be officially launched at the Intermat Exhibition in Paris, France in April.