CLAAS and BMW have unveiled what promises to be a major breakthrough in road safety in agricultural regions throughout the world
The Large Vehicle Alert System transmits real-time telemetry data from enabled farm machinery to navigation systems and smartphone apps, thereby warning motorists of the position and status of farm machinery along their intended route. The system also suggests alternative routes if the number, width or speed of agricultural machinery is likely to cause delays.
The Large Vehicle Alert System is based on Telematics remote monitoring technology found in CLAAS harvesters, tractors and some larger implements. The position of enabled machines operating in road travel mode is transmitted to the Telematics server every four seconds via the mobile phone network.
This data is then sent to participating car and navigation system manufacturers, and in turn, to the assistance/navigation systems or app devices connected to those services. Non-CLAAS tractors or machinery can be integrated easily into the system using a smartphone app.
All data is anonymous and is transmitted only if the operator has activated the service. The Large Vehicle Alert System was recently awarded a Silver Medal for innovation at Agritechnica, Europe’s leading trade fair for agricultural technology.