Human Presence Sensors and Control Systems to Prevent Injuries

John Shutske, Professor

Funding Source

Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station

Objective

Develop sensor-based human presence detection and control systems that prevent people from being injured by agricultural and industrial equipment and processes.

Need or Impact

Traumatic agricultural injuries remain one of the leading causes of workplace deaths and disability throughout the United States. This work has included the development and field testing of specific sensor and control systems that employ multiple sensor technologies.

Project Status

Two unique design concepts have been developed that could be employed on farms to protect children who might wander onto a worksite and be exposed to hazards. Additional research funding is being pursued to fully develop and field test these concepts, hopefully with an industry-based partner(s).