Ultrasonic guard system

Ultrasonic Guard System (UGS) on the vehicle

95 percent of collisions between trucks and pedestrians or cyclists occur in the area immediately around the cab and at the side of the truck up to the rear axle in the blind spot. In order to cut this risk as far as possible, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge is pursuing development of the "ultrasonic guard system" (UGS). The assistance system assists the driver by detecting persons or objects during moving off and when turning off.

Eyes and ears in the blind spot

The truck is equipped with twelve ultrasonic sensors which are distributed over the front and side. When the vehicle comes to a halt the sensors scan the cab's surroundings in a radius of approximately two metres. The UGS precisely measures the distances to any objects present and saves the data in a computer. If a passenger or cyclist then approaches, the sensors will calculate how far away he/she is. If this distance falls below a certain reference limit by a defined value the driver is immediately given a visual signal. The UGS warns him of the change in the situation in the risk area. If the truck driver wants to move off again while an object is still inside the reference area, he also hears an acoustic signal.

The Ultrasonic Guard System has successfully completed the first stage in its development. Test drivers rated the UGS a great help for moving off and when turning off, two manoeuvres which always have a high risk potential.

MAN Nutzfahrzeuge unveiled the Ultrasonic Guard System at the IAA 2006 in Hanover.

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