Kiwitron uses Ultralytics YOLO to detect industrial hazards 30m away

Industrial floors are busy environments where forklifts and workers often operate in close proximity, which can lead to safety concerns. Solutions like ultrawideband and LiDAR were either inefficient or disruptive, urging Kiwitron to look for a better solution.

To counteract this, Kiwitron developed KiwiEye, an AI-powered solution designed for industrial safety. With the integration of Ultralytics YOLO models, this system quickly detects hazards and helps operators respond in real time. It also provides insights like heatmaps and near-miss reports, allowing safety managers to identify risks and improve safety measures effectively.

Fig 1. Meet KiwiEye

Link to this sectionEnhancing safety in industrial operations with vision AI#

Kiwitron, an Italian company specializing in industrial technology, focuses on improving safety and efficiency in industries like logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, and heavy machinery. Known for their innovative solutions, they recognized the need for a more effective approach to safety on industrial floors. When traditional systems fell short, Kiwitron turned to AI-driven technology to create a smarter, more reliable safety solution.

Link to this sectionThe need for accurate detection of hazards on industrial floors#

Industrial workspaces, where heavy machinery and workers coexist, mandate heightened safety measures. Preventing accidents and maintaining smooth operations requires efficient and on-the-spot hazard tracking.

Traditional safety methods, such as ultrawideband systems, relied on workers wearing tags, which wasn’t always practical since not everyone consistently used the required devices. LiDAR sensors, while able to detect objects, often lacked the accuracy to differentiate between specific hazards, leading to unnecessary slowdowns.

These challenges create safety gaps and inefficiencies that disrupt workflows. Kiwitron identified the need for a more advanced solution - one capable of real-time detection that could distinguish between pedestrians, vehicles, and signs while delivering clear, actionable alerts to operators. Kiwitron’s ideal solution also had to meet strict hardware requirements, process data rapidly, adapt to various industrial settings, and maintain productivity without compromising operational efficiency.

Link to this sectionKiwiEye: Kiwitron’s AI-powered safety solution#

To overcome these challenges, Kiwitron integrated Ultralytics YOLO models and cutting-edge object detection technology into their safety system, KiwiEye. Powered by YOLO, KiwiEye delivers the speed and accuracy required for real-time hazard detection in industrial environments.

KiwiEye uses advanced cameras with Ultralytics YOLO models to identify critical elements like pedestrians, vehicles, and signs in real time. With Coral accelerators, the system processes images quickly and with minimal delay, enabling operators to respond immediately to potential hazards. Unlike traditional sensors, KiwiEye provides context-aware detection, distinguishing between different objects and customizing alerts to the specific hazard.

The system’s adaptable design lets it perform seamlessly in various industrial environments, from spacious warehouses to confined work areas. Its lightweight structure integrates smoothly with existing hardware while maintaining high-speed performance. By combining precision, speed, and adaptability, KiwiEye improves safety while preserving operational efficiency, offering an innovative solution for industrial hazard detection.

Link to this sectionWhy choose Ultralytics YOLO models?#

Kiwitron chose Ultralytics YOLO after testing various models, including MobileNet and SSD. YOLO stood out for its unmatched combination of speed, accuracy, and compatibility with lightweight hardware like Coral accelerators, making it perfect for real-time applications.

As Kiwitron’s CTO, explained, “At the time we started, YOLO was the best on the market for object detection. It allowed us to meet our dual goals of safety and efficiency.” Its adaptability also made it possible for Kiwitron to customize its solution to meet the unique needs of industrial environments.

Link to this sectionKiwitron achieves 30-meter hazard detection with Ultralytics YOLO#

The integration of Ultralytics YOLO models into KiwiEye has significantly improved safety and efficiency on industrial floors. The system reliably detects hazards in real time, identifying pedestrians, vehicles, and signs with accuracy, even at distances of up to 30 meters. Kiwitron’s CTO commented, “We have an FPS threshold that ensures the KiwiEye is responsive enough to prevent accidents. With YOLO, we can detect objects up to 30 meters away while maintaining the necessary speed.”

The KiwiEye system, in combination with Ultralytics YOLO models, has already made noticeable strides in preventing accidents and near misses. While exact figures on saved lives are hard to quantify, Kiwitron’s CEO shared, “We regularly receive feedback from clients who report reduced near-miss incidents. In one case, a customer even thanked us for preventing a serious accident.”

The system also provides safety managers with valuable data through heatmaps and near-miss reports, helping to identify high-risk zones and adjust safety protocols. “It’s more than just accident prevention,” Kiwitron’s CEO added. “The data we gather allows clients to make data-driven safety improvements, ultimately creating a safer environment.”

Going a step further, beyond meeting performance goals, Ultralytics YOLO has enabled Kiwitron to innovate quickly. “The use of Ultralytics YOLO allowed us to rapidly develop a stable, high-performing solution while also setting a foundation for future refinements,” Kiwitron’s CTO highlighted.

Link to this sectionKiwitron’s next steps with vision AI and YOLO#

Kiwitron’s use of Ultralytics YOLO model shows how computer vision is changing the way we think about safety - shifting from reacting to problems to preventing them with smart, data-driven solutions. As Vision AI advances, it’s opening up new possibilities, like monitoring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) compliance and spotting additional hazards, making workplaces safer and more efficient.

With Ultralytics YOLO’s flexibility and performance, Kiwitron has been able to innovate confidently, ensuring its solutions keep up with the ever-changing demands of industrial safety.

As Kiwitron’s CTO put it, “It’s like the concept of the wheel. I mean, you already have it. We already have it as a community. So, why just rebuild it from scratch.”

Curious about how Vision AI can transform your business? Check out our GitHub repository, discover Ultralytics industry-tailored solutions like computer vision in healthcare and manufacturing, and explore licensing options to get started today!