The SmartSite work plan has been divided into 5 discrete work packages. The first three are focused on the development, implementation and validation of the main enabling technologies. These work packages are then followed by an integration and market replication stage. These two stages include a large scale pilot of the new technology and a business model. The final work package focuses on project management and commercialisation planning activities. Throughout the project, there has been four objectives. These are as follows:
Objective 1: Development and Implementation of a Scalable Mobile Device Management System
- Design, build and test a scalable device management platform which complies with new TR69 mobile data communication protocols.
- Ensure device can run on bi-directional communication between over 100,000 mobile safety devices through an active online alarm server.
- Establish each mobile device to be upgraded and diagnosed remotely so that data can be exported and technically supported from within Europe.
- Enable device to support multiple languages and adapt technology to local operating environments.
Objective 2: Enhance User Experience by Improving Hardware and Online Graphical Interface
- Reduce the size of existing hardware down to 25% of its current footprint.
- Greatly improve battery life of an alarm unit from 35 hours up to 100 hours.
- Improve the interface of our online reporting platform to a more powerful and interactive service.
- Automatically assign site reference numbers and link alarm units together based on their GPS map location.
- Enable users to monitor the real time status of all site access points, as well as real time speed of site vehicle and the proximity to overhead power cables and the workforce.
Objective 3: Develop the portable site beacon technology and enhance the product reliability in all weather and environmental conditions
- Improve the accuracy of the proximity ranging functions in all weather conditions.
- The design of the electronics will be optimised to greatly reduce the power consumption, and increase the operating life span from a sing 50Ahr battery from 3 months to >9 months.
- Develop onboard firmware within each beacon to include more information.
- Authorise the in-vehicle alarm device to undertake a series of events according to their location within a worksite and also their purpose.
Objective 4: Large scale user case study and independent report on the economic and operational advantages of the new technology.
- Run a large scale pilot trial of the new technology with 100 works vehicles on approximately 3 different large sites.
- Trial will encapsulate around 50 overhead power cables and hazard structures with multiple works access and exit points.
- Trial will demonstrate viability of new system, in addition to providing conclusive evidence of business model.
Results
During the first period of the project, a new device management platform has been developed which enables the design of workzones and application of rule sets to these. This means that equipment can automatically set itself to the specific workzone, significantly improving usability and reducing set up time. Real live tests with end users have validated the system which is called Integrated Safety Management (ISM) Studio. Hardware developments have resulted in miniaturised footprint and significantly reduced power consumption. This will enable longer operation in the field making it easier for the user to handle. The technologies developed so far can be used to rapidly warn the workforce of entrance of unauthorised vehicles into their works area. It also helps drivers by alerting them of upcoming hazards in real time.
Results achieved:
- Development of device management system and work zone creator tool
- Development and miniaturisation of alarm system hardware
- Development of portable beacon technology
During the second period of the project, the SmartSite hardware and software developments were finalised and prototypes produced for controlled and field testing. Over 1000 sensors and 70 connected beacons were produced and trialled across the UK in different live road closure environments.
Results achieved:
- Tested and validated device management platform and graphical user interface/log in
- Tested and validated sensor hardware and RF protocols
- Tested and validated IoT hardware
- Completed field trial phase
Dissemination work has been performed in a wide range of media including demonstrations to end users across the UK. An exploitation plan has been prepared and will be rolled out post project.