Seeing Machines and Electro-Motive Diesel
Collaborate on Operator Fatigue Monitoring Systems
22 September 2014
Seeing Machines Limited, the AIM-listed (AIM: SEE) technology company pioneering computer-vision based operator monitoring and intervention technology services, has signed a strategic agreement with Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. (EMD), a subsidiary of Progress Rail Services Corporation, a Caterpillar Company, related to in-cab operator fatigue and distraction monitoring systems for use in locomotives. A contract signing ceremony will be held at a press conference at InnoTrans-the largest international transport technology show-in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 1-1:45 p.m. in Press Center Hall 6.3, Room A.
The underlying Seeing Machines Driver Safety System (DSS) technology is based on patented eye-tracking and analytics that detects driver distraction and fatigue while on the job. Following a previously announced agreement with Caterpillar Global Mining, this exclusive agreement, with an initial term of three years, will allow Seeing Machines and EMD to develop and adapt technology for the rail industry.
"We are excited to be working with EMD," said Seeing Machines Chief Executive Officer Ken Kroeger. "Our operator-facing cameras and accelerometer sensors provide key streams of data that are designed to help improve productivity and safety outcomes. I believe we are proving this in the challenging applications of mining, and we expect to achieve the same positive results working with EMD in rail transport. We also expect very positive follow on into our next horizon markets in road transport, commercial vehicles and aviation."
Progress Rail and EMD President and Chief Executive Officer Billy Ainsworth added, "There have been significant steps in recent years to enhance safety in the rail industry, and today's announcement builds upon those advancements. Working with Seeing Machines, we can develop the on-board technology designed to deliver enhanced safety to our customers and their fleets by ensuring operators remain alert while controlling the locomotive."
Progress Rail and EMD are exhibiting in two booths at InnoTrans-Hall 6.2/Stand 220 and Hall 22/Stand 205. In Stand 220, the technology quadrant features a full size cab mock-up for the GT46C-ACe Generation II locomotive, fitted with a fully functional Seeing Machines fatigue and distraction management system.
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About Seeing Machines
Seeing Machines, (AIM: SEE), is an AIM-listed technology company that specialises in operator monitoring and intervention technologies and services. Its software and engineering services are used in products and applications that range from devices that improve driver safety and save lives to assessing trainees in simulators and simplifying the relationships between people and technology. Seeing Machines technology is used worldwide across the automotive, mining, transport and aviation industries; as well as many of the leading academic research groups and transportation authorities. Seeing Machines is headquartered in Australia, and has offices in Tucson, Mountain View, and Santiago. The Company counts Caterpillar, Takata, Eye Tracking Inc and Samsung Electro-Mechanics (SEMCo) as its partners and BHP Billiton, Freeport McMoran, Teck, Toll Holdings amongst its customers.
About Progress Rail Services Corporation and Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.:
Progress Rail Services Corporation (Progress Rail), a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is a leading supplier of remanufactured locomotive and railcar products and services to the railroad industry, operating one of the most extensive rail service and supply networks in North America. More than 8,000 employees serve customers in a network of more than 165 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. Progress Rail is headquartered in Albertville, Alabama.
Through the acquisition of Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. (EMD), Progress Rail has expanded its network of global locations, furthering a commitment to providing industry-leading products and services. Founded in 1922, Electro-Motive Diesel is an original equipment manufacturer of diesel-electric locomotives. EMD designs, manufactures and sells diesel-electric locomotives for all commercial railroad applications and is a global provider of diesel engines for marine propulsion, offshore and land-based oil well drilling rigs and stationary power generation. The company is the only diesel-electric locomotive manufacturer to have produced more than 72,500 engines and has the largest installed base in both North America and worldwide. EMD also has an extensive aftermarket business offering replacement parts, maintenance solutions and a range of value-added services.
For more information, visit www.progressrail.com.
