PROXIPI, the French developer of solutions for the avoidance of collisions between pedestrians and mobile trucks, is seeking exclusive international partners

The aim of reducing mobile truck-pedestrian collisions affects many different activity sectors, including transportation and logistics, handling, construction, public works, and garbage collection and recovery. PROXIPI® was patented in 2011, after three years of research and tests conducted with industrials, in order to meet a need for which no efficient and comprehensive solution had yet been found. At CeMAT 2014, PROXIPI would like to recruit international distribution partners who share its values, spurred by its successful partnerships with ELOKON in Germany and ACCU-FLEX-SAFETY in Canada.

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The underlying principle
PROXIPI® is based on unique technology resulting in the creation of coded magnetic fields.

The mobile truck, outfitted with a magnetic frame, can detect one or many badge-wearing pedestrians within a range of up to 16 metres.

In the event of danger, PROXIPI® is the only bidirectional prevention system to simultaneously alert the pedestrian and the driver, with 360° detection that works through any obstacle: concrete walls, harsh metal environments, etc.

Mobile truck/mobile truck and mobile truck/zone detection is also offered in order to reduce accidents involving costly materials which can be harmful to productivity.

A new option has also been unveiled for 2014: interactive speed regulation (ISR). This enables the automatic reduction of a mobile truck’s speed in high-risk areas or when a pedestrian is detected, as well as speed optimisation in neutral or clear areas.

A made-to-order solution
Since each production site is different, a trained technician will first perform an on-site inspection in order to determine actual collision prevention needs and propose the most appropriate application and the necessary settings. On-line tools are made available to clients, such as a layout simulator or a speed modeller, which help to customize installation for the exact layout of the site.

The layout simulator, which evaluates the impact of a Proxipi® solution according to the exact layout of the site to be outfitted PROXIPI® always provides support services with its products in order to ensure that they are properly used by the site’s personnel, including training sessions for all of the personnel involved: drivers and pedestrians, the hygiene safety and environment manager, the site manager, the production manager, etc.

Customizable signage and internal communication kits are also offered to sensitize, clarify and guide users.

Return on investment
Installing PROXIPI® on a site costs between 1,500 € and 4,500 € per mobile truck, and between 250 € and 800 € per person. The implementation of a comprehensive solution enables the protection of pedestrians for less than a euro per day.
The PROXIPI® prevention system not only increases safety, but also improves site productivity.

The ISR (interactive speed regulation) function increases the average speed and lowers the transfer cost for palettes by approximately 30% depending on flows.

A PROXIPI® collision prevention solution can pay for itself in less than one year on site.

A focus on the people
More than 1,200 workers are hit by mobile trucks equipment every year in France, with a dozen of these accidents proving fatal (source: INRS France).

PROXIPI® aims to protect people in every situation.

First of all - and very importantly, for the inventors of PROXIPI® - the low-frequency magnetic waves used are completely harmless for human health, including for wearers of pacemakers, and for the environment.
The PROXIPI® system is easy and pleasant to use on a daily basis by staff.
The badge was ergonomically designed in partnership with the Université de Technologie de Compiègne to facilitate its acceptance by users.

A safety vest containing the badge is offered as an option so that pedestrians always have their badges on them. Another special feature is the fact that the alert signal can be changed and set to different volume levels depending on the site environment. Research was conducted with the Ecole Centrale de Nantes (France) to develop stimulating but non-aggressive sounds which can be recognized by the reptilian brain. And to increase driver’s attention, there is the option to broadcast a verbal safety message on startup or at random intervals.

Distributors
Since it does not focus on direct sales, PROXIPI develops partnerships with distributors, local resellers and manufacturers. Potential partners must undergo technical and commercial training, train maintenance teams and acquire the tools and device-specific software used for configuration and maintenance. Once they are approved, partners become autonomous and can offer their clients customized PROXIPI® solutions according to specific specifications.

PROXIPI only gets involved for support, to solve issues specific to the site and train personnel. The distribution partner provides technical information on the device, installs and resells the system and manages the long-term relationship with the client.

PROXIPI® is compatible with all existing brands of mobile trucks, including Jungheinrich, Still, Toyota, and Mitsubishi, with which partnerships are being formed.

Towards a network of country-specific distributors
In order to provide essential proximity to all of the sites wishing to implement a collision prevention system, PROXIPI is developing an international network. Its aim is to select a single partner for each country.

PROXIPI’s partner will be its local ambassador and the preferred contact for mobile truck manufacturers having clients in the relevant areas. ELOKON, PROXIPI’s German partner, which will be accompanying it at CeMAT, is a concrete illustration of the desired international collaboration and proximity.

PROXIPI wishes to meet future country-specific partners at CeMAT 2014 with whom it can develop its international network. PROXIPI will be meeting with manufacturers and producers at CeMAT Stand J 17 Hall 26.