What a retrofit involves
Retrofitting HFR cameras to existing plant machinery adds pedestrian detection to machines already in use. TrafficAngel’s PlantShield 360 uses AI cameras to recognise people within defined detection zones and give the operator audible and visual warnings. For plant managers, the key questions are where the cameras can be fitted, which areas they need to cover and what equipment is already on the machine. Existing cameras, monitors and alarms need to be checked before deciding what can stay and how the new system will be installed.
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Why HFR detection is added to existing machines
Mirrors and standard cameras still have a role on plant, but they rely on the operator checking the view and spotting a person in time. An HFR camera system uses AI to recognise the human form and warn the operator when someone is detected within a configured warning or danger zone, without relying on them spotting the person on a monitor.
A machine may also need an upgrade before it can work on a particular site. For example, Balfour Beatty plant vehicle camera requirements cover pedestrian detection, blind spot coverage and operator alerts. Before arranging a retrofit, check the current specification for the site where the machine will be working so the installation can be planned around its requirements.
What to check on the machine before fitting
Bodywork, existing equipment and electrical systems all affect how an HFR system can be fitted. The installation needs to suit the machine and the work it does.
Where the operator cannot see
PlantShield 360 uses up to four AI cameras. Their positions need to cover the identified blind spots and meet any site requirements, with views unobstructed by bodywork or attachments.
Mounting points and equipment already fitted
Existing equipment can limit mounting positions. Check whether cameras can use standard brackets or need brackets made for the machine.
Planning positions and cable routes
Check mounting locations, power connections and cable routes for the display, control unit and any optional recording equipment. Cables need to be secured and protected, with components accessible for servicing.
How the machine works
Detection zones are configured to suit the machine’s movements, site layout and risks. PlantShield 360 uses a G-sensor to detect machine movement, providing visual-only alerts when stationary and audible and visual alerts when moving.
How the H+H forklifts were fitted
At H+H, specialist Konecranes forklifts can move up to four pallets at a time. Following a site assessment, TrafficAngel fitted PlantShield 360 with four external AI cameras, a control unit, GPS and gyroscope inputs and an in-cab LED display. A TrafficAngel DVR and internal camera were added for recording.
Room inside the cab was limited, so mounting positions for the DVR and control unit needed careful planning. GPS, 4G and Wi-Fi antennae were also fitted, and several interior panels were removed to route and protect the cabling.
Outside, the two side cameras were mounted beneath existing floodlights using specially designed brackets. A purpose-built bracket supported the rear camera in line with another floodlight. Suitable mounting locations for the front camera were limited, so its position needed careful planning.
Fitting PlantShield 360 alongside what is already there
Retrofitting HFR cameras to existing plant machinery does not automatically mean removing the camera system already fitted. What can stay, and whether the systems can connect or need to operate separately, should be confirmed during the machine assessment. TrafficAngel’s fleet audit service can inspect equipment supplied or installed by other providers, as well as its own installations.
PlantShield 360 supports existing safety measures, including mirrors, banksmen, traffic management plans and operator training.
Optional equipment can also be planned into the installation. With the Система «Палец вверх», the operator stops the machine before pressing an in-cab button that changes a red stop display to a green thumbs-up, signalling that the pedestrian can approach. A compatible DVR recording system can record the camera feeds. Live streaming and remote playback can also be added through TrafficAngel’s LiveDrive platform.
Planning a retrofit across a mixed fleet
A mixed fleet does not have to be upgraded all at once. TrafficAngel works with plant hire operators on rolling installation plans, scheduling fitting around machine availability and upcoming jobs. The setup for each machine still needs to meet the requirements of the site it is going to.
Most PlantShield 360 installations take less than a day per machine, depending on the vehicle and the number of cameras. Fitting is coordinated with operators to minimise disruption. TrafficAngel’s in-house engineers work mainly in London and the south-east, with trusted partners elsewhere. Supply-only and self-fit arrangements are also available for fleets with their own engineers.
The installation process covers planning, fitting, configuration and testing before handover. Technical support, changes and upgrades are available afterwards.
Installation and Aftersales
Talk to TrafficAngel about a retrofit
If you’re considering retrofitting HFR cameras to existing plant machinery, send us the machine details and any site specifications. We’ll go through the requirements with you and advise what needs to be fitted, taking account of the equipment already on the machine.
Вызов 01825 768 555, электронная почта sales@trafficangel.co.uk or contact the TrafficAngel team to discuss your retrofit.
Закажите демонстрацию PlantShield 360.Часто задаваемые вопросы
Yes. PlantShield 360 can be retrofitted to existing machines. The machine needs assessing to establish suitable mounting points, power connections and camera coverage.
TrafficAngel says most PlantShield 360 installations take less than a day per machine, although this depends on the machine and camera count. Confirm the expected fitting time when arranging the work.
The camera count depends on the coverage required. PlantShield 360 supports up to four AI cameras, with the layout agreed around the machine’s blind spots and any site specification.
Possibly. Existing equipment needs checking before deciding what can stay and whether it can connect to PlantShield 360 or operate separately. Compatibility should be confirmed for the particular installation.
Yes. TrafficAngel offers supply-only and self-fit arrangements for fleets with their own engineers. Discuss the machine details and installation requirements with the team before ordering.
