Improving load securing on trucks: Successful LaSiBasis demonstrator test

Another focus of the project is the documentation of faults in the area of loads and load securing as well as in the vehicle itself. Especially in the case of automated trucks, such faults could go unnoticed. A proposal is being developed for equipping the vehicles with sensors to detect such malfunctions.

The AIT experts are responsible for the aspect of load monitoring in the project. They are planning to adapt an existing sensor system to detect vibro-acoustic signals in order to detect load tipping on truck loading areas.

At the end of April, a demonstration test now took place on the premises of the ÖBB Immo siding Breitenlee. By simulating typical scenarios of problematic load securing, controlled test drives were carried out to cause load tipping or shifting and to record the corresponding signals in the cargo hold. A MAN truck with a weight of 15 tonnes and a tarpaulin was used as the test vehicle. Three AIT sensor systems were installed in the load compartment of the truck, consisting of an acceleration sensor and a microphone. These sensors were positioned at the front, in the middle and at the rear on the left side respectively. The load consisted of disposable and Euro pallets, mineral water crates and water canisters of different sizes. During the test, different manoeuvre variations were performed, including speed changes, both at standstill with and without the engine, different types and positions of the load, as well as manoeuvres such as accelerating, braking, turning in circles and evasive manoeuvres to the left and right.