Selecting the right type of crossing and floor markings is difficult. There are a wide variety of options available, and now that you’re at the point of making a decision, you’re considering using Clarity’s projected interactive crossing.
Here at Clarity, we’ve been supplying safety products to warehouses and factories for over a decade. The interactive zebra crossings are part of our range of projected floor markings. Projected floor markings have seen a huge increase in demand over the last five years.
We know it’s difficult to find unbiased and honest information about projectors for industrial applications. The technical data sheets are useful but don’t go into detail about the product.
That’s why we wrote this article. It will cover the good, the bad, and the ugly of an interactive walkway as we discuss:
What is an interactive walkway?
An interactive walkway or a projected LED interactive crossing is made up of a series of powerful projectors, a control unit, and usually a microwave sensor. The microwave sensor triggers a relay in the control unit to switch between different LED projectors to change the image being projected onto the floor.
How does an interactive walkway work?
An interactive walkway designed to detect forklift trucks is equipped with a sensor to identify the presence of a forklift truck. Upon detection, a vivid stop sign is projected onto the walkway at the crossing point to inform pedestrians not to cross. In the absence of a forklift truck, the sensor instructs the controller to project a zebra crossing, indicating it is safe to cross.
What makes an interactive walkway so good?
In every factory and warehouse across the UK, there are signs dotted throughout. It is said that the typical visual awareness for a static sign lasts just three days.
A projected interactive crossing has the opposite effect because the sudden dramatic switch from a zebra to a stop sign cannot be missed. These signs are not affected by wear and tear from forklift truck tires and general dirt and grime, so they look as good after two years as they did on day one.
The disadvantage of using an interactive projected walkway
The interactive projected walkway doesn’t work for everyone. It functions by projecting an image using powerful LED lights; however, the projection is only effective if the surrounding lighting is not excessive. For example, an LED projected sign will not work externally if it has to compete with daylight.
Typically, most factories have a lighting level between 100 to 300 lux, and LED projected signs will work in anything up to around 1000 lux.
Another challenging situation for LED projectors is when the ceiling height is too high. The ideal height for a projector is anywhere between four and seven meters and will work up to 12 meters. Beyond this, you may need to consider either suspending the projectors to lower the height or looking at a different form of floor marking. Overhead gantry cranes can also be problematic for projected solutions.
Why do clarity customers choose LED projected solutions?
LED projected signage, especially interactive walkways, helps customers improve pedestrian awareness of moving vehicles on site. They also eliminate the need to paint new zebra crossings every 12 months or so. Many customers, especially in the food and drinks industry, as well as the pharmaceutical industry, have strict cleaning procedures, which can result in floor markings and paint eroding away in as little as a few weeks. The Clarity projected floor markings have a warranty of up to 5 years and do not fade over time.
Interactive projected floor markings can be made to interact with people, products, machinery, and vehicle doors.
Want to learn more about how interactive projected floor markings could work for you? Schedule a Teams call here, and we can show you more examples.
- What to expect on a Teams call with Clarity
It is possible to demonstrate an example projector in your warehouse.