Wolfgang Inninger, Gerd Waizmann, Agnes Eiband, Carl Behmer
DESCRIPTION
Strict rules regulate the storage and transport of hazardous materials in Europe. Substances that could cause dangerous reactions must not be stored close together. At motorway bottlenecks such as tunnels, road works, and parking areas, however, hazardous goods transports pass each other at a distance of only a few metres. An accident could have disastrous consequences.
The purpose of DAGObert is to prevent vehicles transporting reactive hazardous materials from meeting at such bottlenecks. The system includes mobile devices and a location-based (GNSS) message system for lorry drivers, as well as GSM-based communications. The aim is to locate, identify, and stop lorries carrying hazardous materials in case of a potentially dangerous situation.
The Fraunhofer institute for material flow and logistics has developed a prototype in collaboration with proTime GmbH and LKZ Prien GmbH. Having been demonstrated successfully in 2009, it serves the basis of subsequent and ongoing research projects.
INNOVATION
DAGObert uses GNSS geofences to define sensitive route sections. Hazardous goods lorries are automatically located and identified upon entering these sections. The system then transmits a location-based directive to the driver. The solution is in line with the needs of the transport industry regarding data security. Additionally, DAGObert’s high level of automation means only minimal manpower is required at the system’s management centre.
Currently, the system operates with GPS signals, but the implementation of GALILEO – especially the “Commercial Service” – will allow for more accurate location and higher reliability.
TARGET MARKET
The first step of our commercial launch will be a field test in a representative region with several lorry companies dealing with hazardous goods. Any conventional smartphone could potentially be an applicable user device, but in practical use, the integration of the system into lorries’ existing on-board units would be the solution with the highest market potential. Our future goal is to establish DAGObert on the mass market and equip every lorry that transports hazardous goods across Europe with the system.
CUSTOMER BENEFIT
Hazardous goods lorries that use DAGObert can be localised and identified upon entering a potentially dangerous area. This offers several benefits:
Dangerous accidents can be avoided, risks of terrorist attacks using hazardous goods lorries can be reduced, lorries can be protected from theft, and rescue teams can be informed of the hazardous materials being transported in their respective areas of responsibility. In general, DAGObert reduces transport risks that could cause lower insurance contributions, which would be part of the financing model.
Contact:
Fraunhofer-Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML)
Wolfgang Inninger
Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Straße 9
83209 Prien am Chiemsee
Germany
phone: +49 8051 901 116
e-mail: wolfgang.inninger@prien.iml.fraunhofer.de
www.prien.iml.fhg.de
proTime Gesellschaft für Informationslogistik GmbH
Gerd Waizmann
Joseph-von-Fraunhofer-Straße 9
83209 Prien am Chiemsee
Germany
e-mail: gerd.waizmann@protime.de
www.protime.de
