Photo courtesy ConGlobal

Overview

As the industry’s go-to expert in terminal operations, ConGlobal set the benchmark for innovation by showcasing the power of remotely operated hosters in terminal operations. To advance the safety of these remotely operated vehicles, ConGlobal partnered with Polymath Robotics to develop a sensor-based collision avoidance safety system.

Through safe, reliable, and certifiable obstacle detection, ConGlobal and Polymath Robotics have laid the foundation to remove safety drivers through safe, reliable, and certifiable object detection. This partnership highlights how focused collaboration, and technical innovation can unlock safer, more efficient, and sustainable logistics solutions.

The Challenge

Remotely operated industrial vehicles can provide significant operational advantages, but they also have unique safety risks that must be mitigated. One such mitigation involves implementing deterministic, on-vehicle obstacle detection and collision avoidance that can satisfy applicable safety standards and enable the removal of safety drivers.

The Solution

Polymath Robotics implemented a robust safety architecture, focusing on three key components:

1. On-Vehicle Sensor-Based Obstacle Detection
   
   • Integrated sensors, including radar systems to detect obstacles, both large and small, in real-time.
   • Optimized sensor placement and configuration to improve detection reliability for smaller objects, such as humans and cones.
   • Achieved deterministic performance from radar systems, ensuring the ability to operate reliably in all weather and lighting conditions, ensuring safe operation in dynamic and unpredictable terminal environments.

2. Controller-Level Safety Integration
   
   • Developed an Obstacle Detection (OD) layer that integrated directly with the Vehicle Controller to ensure deterministic safety behavior.
   • Enabled safe slowing and stopping operations within inches of target minimum braking distances.

3. Path to Safety Certification
   
   • Collaborated with a third-party safety reviewer to validate the system’s safety architecture.
   • Built the solution within the criteria for safety certification, providing a clear, achievable path to satisfy applicable safety standards.

Results

The collaboration delivered tangible results for the safety of ConGlobal’s remotely operated hostlers:

• Safe Operation Demonstrated: The object detection system consistently met target braking distances and ensured safe operation around static and dynamic obstacles.
• Radar Optimization Success: Consistent detection of smaller objects, particularly humans, within challenging operational ranges.
• Path to Safety Certification: Polymath’s deterministic safety layer provided a clear path to achieving safety certification through third-party review.

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"At ConGlobal, we are continuously striving to push the boundaries of innovation in terminal operations. Our collaboration with Polymath Robotics on the Vehicle Safety System has been a critical step forward in our journey to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in logistics. Together, we have laid the groundwork for a future where remote operations are not just a possibility, but a reality."

– Brett Rogers, VP, Advanced Solutions

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Conclusion

As the industry's go-to expert in terminal operations, ConGlobal set the benchmark for innovation by showcasing the power of remote operations. Polymath Robotics played a critical role in advancing the Vehicle Safety System by delivering a deterministic radar-based safety solution. 

Through safe, reliable, and certifiable obstacle detection, ConGlobal and Polymath Robotics have laid the foundation to remove safety drivers through safe, reliable, and certifiable object detection. This partnership highlights how focused collaboration, and technical innovation can unlock safer, more efficient, and sustainable logistics solutions.

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