Road construction sites are among the most demanding work environments in the industrial world. High traffic volumes, confined spaces, multiple machines operating simultaneously, and extreme environmental conditions combine to create a constant risk scenario.

For operators of heavy tandem rollers, safety depends not only on experience but also on the reliability of the machine systems that support them. Recognizing this reality, BOMAG has fundamentally redefined how collision prevention should work in modern road construction equipment.

The Invisible Burden on Machine Operators

Operating a tandem roller requires sustained concentration over long shifts. In addition to guiding the machine with high precision, operators must monitor numerous process parameters while remaining alert to changes in their surroundings.

Scientific studies have shown that prolonged exposure to noise, heat, and visual stress significantly reduces reaction times. These effects often go unnoticed until a critical situation occurs.

Why Traditional Camera Systems Fall Short

Camera-based assistance systems have long been considered standard safety equipment. However, real-world use has revealed their limitations. Visual systems are vulnerable to environmental disturbances and require constant attention from the operator.

Frequent warnings, especially in complex construction scenarios, can lead to alarm fatigue—reducing rather than enhancing safety.

BOMAG therefore asked a fundamental question: What if the machine itself could recognize danger and act autonomously?

From Research to Series Production

The collaboration between BOMAG and SICK began as early as 2019, when both companies explored automation concepts for road construction machinery. The ROBOMAG research project, presented at BAUMA, demonstrated the potential of LiDAR-based perception for autonomous operation.

Building on this foundation, Emergency Brake Assist was developed as a production-ready safety system for heavy tandem rollers.

Understanding Risk Through Intelligent Algorithms

Emergency Brake Assist does not simply detect obstacles—it interprets risk. By combining LiDAR data with machine dynamics, the system predicts the roller’s future path and evaluates whether an obstacle is truly dangerous.

Only when a real collision risk exists does the system intervene by applying adaptive braking. This intelligent selectivity ensures high operator acceptance and minimal disruption to work processes.

Certified Safety and Practical Reliability

The system complies with EN ISO 13849-1 and achieves Performance Level b (PLb). It has also undergone extensive testing according to GS-BAU-70 requirements, confirming its reliability under real construction site conditions.

Collaboration as a Success Factor

Close cooperation between BOMAG and SICK played a decisive role in the project’s success. Continuous feedback from field tests enabled rapid optimization, including the development of software filters to handle steam and spray interference.

A New Safety Paradigm

Emergency Brake Assist represents more than a technical upgrade—it marks a shift from reactive to proactive safety. Instead of relying solely on operator vigilance, the machine actively contributes to accident prevention.

With its introduction on the BW 154 AP-5 and BW 174 AP-5 models, BOMAG has set a new benchmark for safety in road construction machinery.