JLG’s Nerenhausen Calls for Smart Technology to Improve Aerial Safety

JLG president Frank Nerenhausen called for increased use of smart technology to prevent accidents and make aerial equipment safer in his keynote address at the International Powered Access Federation conference in Washington D.C. last month.

Nerenhausen told an audience of more than 250 conference participants that the day will come when smart vests will communicate with AWPs to warn operators that their harness lanyards are not connected to the anchor points and smart machines equipped with sensors can contribute to collision avoidance and detection.

Nerenhausen said wearables, augmented reality and remote operation can be harnessed in a powerful system of prevention and control. However, Nerenhausen underlined the value of human education and intervention. “Training must continue to play a prominent role as our industry advances,” he said.

During the discussion following Nerenhausen’s presentation, IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman revealed that, prompted by discussions with JLG, a new category for Innovative Technology would be introduced at the next International Awards for Powered Access to be held with the IPAF Summit March 17, 2016 in Madrid.

Presentations from the Washington D.C. IPAF Summit are available at the Resources section of www.ipaf.org.