Waste collection safety: don’t replace, but upgrade
New technology from Brigade is helping operators prepare for the growing demand for human form recognition in a cost-effective and sustainable way...
As the waste and recycling sector continues to focus on improving operational safety, Human Form Recognition (HFR) technology is becoming an increasingly important tool for protecting workers operating around collection vehicles and heavy equipment.
Refuse collection vehicles frequently operate in residential streets, commercial premises and transfer stations where workers and members of the public may be in close proximity to moving vehicles.
Many waste operators are seeking practical ways to introduce Human Form Recognition technology across existing fleets without replacing current camera systems.
Jordan Marshall, Brigade’s UK marketing manager, says: “Human Form Recognition is becoming an increasingly important consideration for operators looking to improve safety around vehicles and equipment.
“As the industry continues to strengthen its safety expectations, many operators are looking for practical ways to prepare for these evolving requirements without the disruption and cost of replacing entire camera systems.
“This is where Brigade’s new AI HFR Box comes in as a cost-effective, practical and sustainable solution for upgrading existing systems to HFR.”
Brigade’s recently launched AI HFR Box enables fleets to upgrade existing safety camera systems with AI-powered Human Form Recognition technology, allowing operators to retain their current camera infrastructure while adding intelligent people detection capabilities.
This retrofit approach offers significant advantages for operators, particularly for those managing large numbers of vehicles already equipped with safety cameras.
By avoiding the need to remove and replace functioning hardware, operators can reduce installation costs, minimise vehicle downtime and extend the lifespan of existing safety systems, helping support both financial and environmental objectives.
The approach also aligns with the industry’s growing focus on sustainability, circular economy principles and reducing unnecessary electronic waste across fleet operations.
Jordan continued: “The Brigade AI HFR Box provides a more cost-effective and sustainable route to introducing Human Form Recognition technology because it allows operators to upgrade existing safety cameras with AI capability rather than starting from scratch. That means less downtime, less waste and a more accessible way for fleets to improve safety standards across their operations.”
The system uses AI-powered analysis to identify human forms around vehicles and equipment, providing real-time visual and audible alerts to drivers and helping to reduce the risk of collisions in high-risk environments where visibility can often be limited.
Designed for demanding operational conditions, the system supports drivers where interactions between vehicles and pedestrians are common.
As the industry continues to prioritise safety, retrofit Human Form Recognition technology is expected to become an increasingly valuable tool for helping future-proof fleets while supporting both safety and sustainability targets.
Brigade’s new AI HFR Box allows operators to upgrade rather than replace equipment.