Proximity Warning System
Proximity Warning System
What is a Proximity Warning System (PWS)?
A Proximity Warning System (PWS) is a safety solution designed to detect the presence of people, objects, or other vehicles near hazardous zones. It provides real-time alerts to prevent collisions and improve situational awareness. These systems are widely used in industrial, construction, and mining environments to reduce the risk of accidents.
A typical AI-enabled Proximity Warning System includes IoT or vision-based sensors, signal processing units, and alert mechanisms (audio/visual). AI enhances object recognition and can intelligently filter out irrelevant movements, focusing only on genuine safety threats.
How does Artificial Intelligence enhance the functionality of a Proximity Warning System?
Artificial Intelligence enhances a Proximity Warning System by enabling intelligent object classification, behavioral prediction, and contextual risk analysis. Unlike traditional systems that trigger alerts based only on distance, AI allows the system to understand movement patterns, distinguish between humans and machines, and prioritize threats.
For instance, AI can learn that a stationary object near a forklift does not require a warning, while a person moving unpredictably in its path does; thus reducing unnecessary interruptions and improving productivity.
Which industries commonly use Proximity Warning Systems?
Proximity Warning Systems are widely adopted in industries where human-machine interaction is frequent and hazardous, such as construction, mining, manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing. These environments require constant awareness to prevent contact incidents between equipment and personnel.
● Construction: Detecting workers near a reversing excavator at a congested urban job site.
● Mining: Alerting haul truck drivers to nearby maintenance personnel in an open-pit mine.
● Manufacturing: Warning robotic arms of human presence in restricted assembly zones.
● Logistics: Identifying warehouse staff in the path of automated guided vehicles (AGVs).
● Warehousing: Preventing pallet jack collisions in high-traffic storage aisles.
Can Proximity Warning Systems be integrated with heavy machinery or vehicles? If so, how?
Yes, Proximity Warning Systems can be integrated into heavy machinery and vehicles using onboard edge devices equipped with local Artificial Intelligence processors. These processors allow real-time data processing directly on the vehicle, ensuring immediate response without relying on cloud connectivity.
A standard setup includes a combination of AI cameras, IoT sensors, and edge computing units mounted on the vehicle. As the vehicle moves, the system continuously scans for nearby personnel and provides real-time alerts to the driver.
In what ways does a Proximity Warning System contribute to a more sustainable and safer workplace?
Proximity Warning Systems help create safer and more sustainable workplaces by preventing injuries, minimizing equipment downtime, and reducing costs related to accidents and claims. They support efficient workflows and protect human life, which are the key aspects of corporate sustainability and ESG compliance.
By avoiding collisions, companies reduce repair waste, lower insurance premiums, and maintain smoother operations, all of which contribute to long-term environmental and economic sustainability as well. Additionally, such systems promote a culture of safety, increase employee confidence, and reduce turnover by demonstrating the employer’s commitment to well-being. They also ensure better regulatory compliance by capturing incident data, which can be analyzed for continuous safety improvement and reporting to stakeholders.
In AI-enabled systems like this, real-time alerts and data analytics help companies identify near misses and risky patterns, allowing for proactive interventions and smarter, data-driven decision-making. Over time, this leads to a more resilient and responsible workplace ecosystem.
Article by
Dr. Baby Sharma
Sustainability Lead
Dr. Baby Sharma is Sustainability Lead & a related content contributor at viAct, specialised in designing sustainabile ESG strategies. With extensive research experience, Dr. Sharma drives sustainability initiatives for productive yet safer and eco-friendly workplaces with AI. Beyond work, Dr. Sharma gracefully balances science with art, practicing Indian classical dance with passion.