SICK: Innovation on the Move
October 21, 2025
Visionary AI-Assist Minimizes Collision Risks for Mobile Machines Operating in Challenging Environments
Wherever material is transported or moved, there is a serious danger of collisions between machines, vehicles or obstacles. Incidents like this can not only increase costs, but also significantly disrupt the operational process. With Visionary AI-Assist, SICK has developed an AI-supported solution that precisely and selectively records objects and people. The system issues warnings in good time, minimizing the risk of collisions.
Every day, machine operators face the challenging task of maneuvering huge vehicles weighing several tons, such as front-end loaders or dump trucks, through complex working areas. Narrow roads, obstacles, blind spots and the dynamic movement of people and other machines demand a high degree of concentration. Dust, low visibility and changing weather conditions make it even more difficult to monitor the environment on a wide scale. Even with years of experience, it is possible to overlook other machines or people.
Traditional aids such as mirrors, acoustic warning signals or simple cameras can only support to a limited extent. As a result, false alarms and delayed warnings lessen trust in the systems and increase stress levels. These factors can also lead to expensive collisions, damage to machines and infrastructure and unplanned downtimes. An intelligent assistance system that reliably recognizes people and objects, covers blind spots and prioritizes relevant warnings significantly eases the burden on employees. Such a system also reduces the risk of collisions and enables smooth operation.
Collision Avoidance Thanks to Visionary AI-Assist
Visionary AI-Assist from SICK combines the robust 3D camera Visionary-B Two and the intelligent Software AI-Assist. Thanks to 3D snapshot stereoscopy, the camera provides high-resolution depth and color data in real time. The camera records both people and objects with millimeter precision, even if they are only partly visible. Depending on requirements, the field of view can be adjusted to cover a wide area or focus on the immediate vicinity.
At the same time, all data is analyzed directly on the sensor and warnings are prioritized according to urgency, reducing the number of false alarms. Flexible zone configuration and precise distance measurement further increase reliability. These benefits are made possible by a specially trained neural network on a dedicated high-performance AI chip.
For targeted use in demanding outdoor environments, Visionary AI-Assist features a robust housing (IP67/IP69K) and an extended temperature range from -40°C to +55°C. An optional anti-vibration mounting kit effectively absorbs shocks. Additional accessories such as a protection hood ensure that dust, rain and dirt do not impair the clear view. The front of the camera is also protected against mechanical stress and direct solar radiation.
By detecting critical situations early and providing precise warnings, Visionary AI-Assist actively helps personnel to maneuver large mobile work machines. A 2D live view also provides a comprehensive overview of the situation. Even autonomous vehicles such as forklifts or transport vehicles can be equipped with the intelligent assistance system.
This is because reliable object and person recognition is a basic requirement, especially in areas where there is no direct operation. This is the only way to prevent collisions and enable adaptive automation. Common interface standards such as Ethernet and CAN, as well as digital inputs and outputs, allow flexible and easy integration into mobile machines in both scenarios.
For more information on SICK’s Visionary AI-Assist HERE
