Hexagon Achieves Industry First with Level 9 Vehicle Intervention System Passing TRL4 Collision Prevention Testing Milestone

In high-traffic, high-tonnage open pits, the final layer of protection provided by a vehicle intervention system can be the difference between a near miss and a serious incident. Hexagon VIS is the first and only open-pit Level 9 solution to pass the University of Pretoria’s Collision Prevention System (CPS) Technology Readiness Level 4 (TRL4) test specification

(IN BRIEF) Hexagon’s next-generation Vehicle Intervention System has successfully passed the University of Pretoria’s TRL4 testing, becoming the first open-pit Level 9 collision prevention solution to achieve this milestone. The independent verification confirms its ability to detect hazards and automatically intervene to prevent collisions, meeting ISO21815 standards and aligning with Minerals Council South Africa requirements. The system builds on extensive operational testing and introduces advanced safety features such as automatic braking and propulsion control. This achievement marks a critical step toward full deployment in mining environments, providing operators with a validated, high-level safety solution designed to reduce risks and support zero-harm objectives.

(PRESS RELEASE) TUCSON, AZ, United States, 26-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Hexagon has announced that the latest generation of its Vehicle Intervention System (VIS) has successfully achieved a major validation milestone, becoming the first open-pit Level 9 solution to pass the University of Pretoria’s Collision Prevention System Technology Readiness Level 4 test specification. The independent verification confirms the system’s core collision avoidance and vehicle intervention capabilities, as well as its compliance with ISO21815 standards.

This achievement represents a key step in advancing VIS toward full deployment in mining environments. The updated system builds on the original VIS platform introduced in 2017, enhancing its architecture and performance to align with current requirements set by the Minerals Council South Africa. The milestone demonstrates readiness for further integration and field testing under established safety frameworks.

Level 9 represents the highest level of intervention defined by the Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table, a global framework that categorises safety controls for preventing vehicle interactions in mining. At this level, systems are capable of automatically intervening when operators fail to respond to hazards, including slowing or stopping equipment to prevent potential collisions. This provides the most advanced layer of protection in high-risk operational environments.

The Technology Readiness Level 4 testing conducted by the University of Pretoria evaluates the fundamental functionality of collision prevention systems in controlled laboratory and testing environments. As part of the Minerals Council South Africa framework and the MOSH initiative, the process ensures that systems demonstrate reliable and repeatable performance before being introduced into active mining operations.

The test scope includes verification of detection and tracking capabilities, warning systems, vehicle intervention responses, self-diagnostics and logging functions, all in alignment with ISO21815-2:2021 standards. Successfully passing this stage confirms that the VIS platform meets stringent technical and safety criteria required for further deployment.

The latest version of VIS incorporates advanced capabilities designed to improve safety in open-pit mining. These include automatic propulsion inhibition, braking interventions, safe following distance enforcement, overspeed management and controlled vehicle shutdown in the event of system failure. These interventions act as a final safeguard when operators do not respond to earlier warning systems.

With more than 10,000 hours of prior testing in operational mining environments, VIS has already established a strong performance benchmark. The latest validation further reinforces its reliability and readiness for next-stage implementation.

This milestone provides mining operators with increased confidence in adopting advanced safety technologies that meet regulatory requirements while supporting industry goals to reduce incidents and improve operational safety. Hexagon continues to focus on developing solutions that enhance safety and efficiency across the mining sector.

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SOURCE: Hexagon AB