【Case Study】 Prevent contact accidents with forklifts and heavy machinery with RFID technology! Collision accident prevention measure ‘Hiyari Hunter’

15/12/2022

Samurai Asia Editorial Department

Have you ever felt "dangerous" while working with a forklift or counter?

No matter how careful the operator is in driving and following the rules, an accident (hiyari-hatto = near-miss) can occur. If so, it is useful to take mechanical countermeasures using products developed to prevent accidents.

Therefore, in this article, we will introduce the "Hiyari Hunter," a safety device that uses RFID technology to warn of danger.

What is the safety device "Hiyari Hunter" using RF tags and magnetic fields?

Hiyari Hunter is a safety device that alerts the operator of the forklift that a worker with an RF tag is approaching. It can detect workers in all directions (360°), even in places where visibility is obscured by turns or loads. The purpose is to nip small dangers in the bud stage and prevent them from leading to accidents.

Magnetic field
Generates a magnetic field around the vehicle body. When a worker enters a magnetic field, it is notified by sound and light.

RF Tag
Worker has RF Tag. Small enough to be worn on a helmet/stored in a pocket.

Developed and manufactured by Matrix Inc. (Japan)
Manufacturer of RFID products; launched "Hiyari Hunter" in 2015. The product has been widely used from the logistics industry to the construction industry, and the number of installed units exceeded 5,000 in 2021.

What is "Hiyari"?
A Japanese word that expresses surprise or fear at a sudden event. The word "Hiyari Hunter" was coined to describe the act of finding and shooting down a "hunt" (hunter) before it becomes the fear (hiyari) of "almost causing an accident".

POINT Blind spots can also be detected!
Hiyari Hunter detects workers by generating a magnetic field around the vehicle (360°). The advantage of this system is that it can detect workers in blind spots that cannot be detected by cameras or sensors.

Works well in these situations!
✔ Around a corner or door where there is no line of sight
✔ When both parties are moving and encounter each other accidently
✔ When the view is obstructed by luggage, etc.
✔ When turning or changing direction
✔ Forklift-to-forklift detection

"A system to prevent accidents before they happen!" The first introduction in Thailand was triggered by user feedback

The introduction of the Hiyari Hunter in Thailand was triggered by a request from a customer, Mr. Mitsuhashi at SANYO KASEI (THAILAND) LTD.

“One safety measure for forklifts is to install a drive recorder on the vehicle body. The aim is to encourage drivers to drive more safely by monitoring and recording. However, the essential role of a drive recorder is to “record what has happened”. Accidents happen even when drivers are very careful, so we consulted with Mars Tohken if there was a way to mechanically prevent accidents before they happen. This is how we came to introduce the system,” says Mr. Mitsuhashi.

As a result of deploying Hiyari Hunters...
◎ Surveillance cameras installed in the company suppress the occurrence of rule violations, and Hiyari Hunters eliminate accidents before they occur.
◎ "Reliable" accident prevention effect commensurate with the cost
◎ Scheduled to be installed to all forklifts and workers from next year (currently undergoing test implementation)

Providing precise solutions to solve on-site problems

“When I ask Mr. Shima, ‘Can you do something like this?’ He immediately makes specific proposals, and ideas take shape one after another," according to Mr. Mitsuhashi.

Most recently, the company is considering the introduction of a new "automated system for checking extremely small foreign objects. This system uses image processing technology to detect small foreign objects mixed into the resin. At first, they asked one of the major manufacturer to verify the system for about a year, but the manufacturer was unable to come up with a solution that would solve the problems they were facing on-site. However, after consulting with Mars Tohken, they received a highly complete demo unit within about a week, and the system will soon be put to practical use.

Mr. Mitsuhashi's attitude of not being satisfied with just maintaining the status quo but always thinking about best way to improve, has maximized Mars Tohken's responsiveness and technological capabilities, and is the driving force behind the innovation.

Interview support: SANYO KASEI (THAILAND) LTD.
The Thai subsidiary of Japanese chemical manufacturer Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd. The company's main products are surfactants and superabsorbent polymers, and it provides cutting-edge technologies in a wide range of fields such as automobiles, electrical and electronics, printing, cosmetics, and medical care.

▲From left to right: President Maeda and Mr. Mitsuhashi of SANYO KASEI (THAILAND) LTD., and Mr. Shima and Mr. Jihong of Mars Tohken

SANYO KASEI (THAILAND) LTD.
Hirokazu Mitsuhashi
Factory Manager / Director
2002 Joined Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd. and engaged in research and development
2010 Engaged in quality assurance and plant operation at a production base in Japan
2018 Assigned to SANYO KASEI (THAILAND) LTD.
After heading the Quality Assurance and Service Lab, assumed the position of factory manager

If you are considering measures to prevent forklift accidents or looking for automation solutions using RFID in Thailand, please contact us using the form below.

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