Driving safety forward: how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing vehicle-mounted computing

In the dynamic world of logistics and industrial operations, safety and efficiency are paramount. Vehicle-mounted computers are indispensable tools, but their screens can pose a distraction risk, especially when vehicles are in motion. This challenge, coupled with evolving legal requirements in various countries, sparked an innovative collaboration between JLT Mobile Computers and Linnaeus University in Sweden.

Our goal was simple: to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to create a smarter, safer work environment.

The Challenge: Distraction and Compliance

Imagine a forklift driver navigating a busy warehouse. Every second of focus counts. In some regions, legal mandates require vehicle-mounted computer screens to go dark when the vehicle is moving and turned back on when it stops. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about significantly reducing driver distraction and enhancing overall safety. The question was, how could this be achieved seamlessly and reliably using existing hardware?

A Powerful Partnership: JLT and Linnaeus University

The Screen Blanking project brought together JLT’s extensive knowledge of real-world warehouse operations and engineering expertise with Linnaeus University’s cutting-edge research in AI and high-performance computing (HPC). This unique synergy allowed us to tackle open questions in large dataset collection, analysis, and utilization.

Björn Lindenberg, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics at Linnaeus University and a lead researcher on the project, emphasized the value of this collaboration: “For us as an academic institution with deep theoretical knowledge in computer science and mathematics, it’s incredibly valuable to see how our research can be applied to real-world problems. We’re excited to collaborate with JLT Mobile Computers and explore how AI and HPC can drive innovation in industrial applications.”

Innovation in Action: From Shopping Cart to AI Model

The project’s ingenuity lay in its practical approach. JLT developed a test rig – a modified shopping cart – to simulate vehicle movement and generate the necessary training data. This data, collected from the motion sensors already built into JLT’s robust JLT6012 computers, was then fed to Linnaeus University.

The university’s researchers took this raw data and developed the most efficient AI model. A key challenge was optimizing the model’s size for both performance and reliability, ensuring minimal CPU usage on the device while maintaining accuracy. The result is a sophisticated application that intelligently detects vehicle motion and automatically blanks the screen, restoring it when the vehicle stops.

 

 

Beyond Compliance: Enhancing Safety and Solutions

This Screen Blanking application not only addresses critical legal requirements but also significantly strengthens JLT’s offering of a complete hardware and software solution. It directly contributes to a safer work environment for companies utilizing computers mounted in vehicles, such as forklifts, by actively reducing the risk of driver distraction.

The Next Stop: Real-World Pilots

Having undergone rigorous internal testing by both JLT and Linnaeus University, the Screen Blanking application is now ready for pilot testing with a customer. This crucial next step will gather real-world data from forklifts in actual working environments, ensuring the solution’s robust performance and practical benefits.

The Screen Blanking project is a great example of academic-industrial collaboration. By combining deep theoretical knowledge with practical engineering, JLT and Linnaeus University are setting new standards for safety and innovation in vehicle-mounted computing, ultimately helping businesses deliver more by ensuring their most valuable asset – their people – stay focused and safe.

 

*Video produced by Data/IT -Linnaeus University