Biglorryblog learns with interest that the Volvo Group (through its Volvo Technology Transfer operation) has acquired an interest in the Swedish-based company Datachassi, which has, it says, developed "....a patent-pending theft protection system based on intelligent radio technology and sensors that can sharply reduce thefts."
So far so blah. And who could gainsay that? But then I am confused by the above picture which accompanied said Nordic newsflash. In typical 'Police, Action, Crash, Bang, Ouch!' style the rozzers are about to collar a couple of scallies...but are they? Considering the age of the vehicles (A 'W-reg' FH and what looks like an FL10 peeping around the corner) surely no self-respecting blagger would want a truck THAT old? No, the truth is these are vintage truck enthusiasts desperate to get their hands on a couple of 'classic' Volvos! And don't try and tell me it's anything else...
Meanwhile, click through here for more news of the new Scandinavian security system....
In the EU alone, goods stolen from trucks each year amounts to about £6.1bn, with the number of thefts rising all the time. In addition to the costs to society and insurance companies, the thefts often result in the driver’s environment becoming increasingly insecure and vulnerable.
However, Volvo tells me: "Most of the thefts from trucks are from the trailer and to date there hasn't been any satisfactory security system for protection. [Pause to insert 'Tomorrow's World type-link in here...i.e. "But Now" ....the key feature with the Datachassi invention is that it links the tractor with the trailer using sensors and intelligent radio technology and, consequently, reduces the risk of theft and slashing of cargo covers and curtains." Sounds good, especially the bit about curtain slashing which is the quick method for illegals to see if they can hop in a TIR tilt too.
Apparently it's all done via radio communications. (Isn't everything these days?) The trailer’s sidelights are modified and equipped with sensors and radio beacons that communicate with each other. When objects or persons come too close to the trailer, the sensors are triggered and send alarm signals via the radio beacons to the cab. The alarm can then be sent wirelessly to a central server - or to a security company - depending on how the system is programmed.
The Swedes go on: "The system can easily be retro-fitted, meaning that theoretically at least, three million trucks in Europe alone could be equipped with the system. Already, several leading truck manufacturers have expressed major interest in the system."
“We foresee a huge potential for this invention, which has good possibilities of becoming an industry standard,” Per Wassén, investment manager at Volvo Technology Transfer tells BLB.” It also has an interesting safety spin-off too as it can also provide warnings about pedestrians or other unprotected road-users coming too close to the vehicle. A Swedish patent application has received positive preliminary approval and the application for a world patent is pending.
Well remember you read it on BLB first.
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