In response to the needs of the tunnelling industry, we have developed and deployed the ATS tunnel automation system, which provides a comprehensive solution supporting safety, control, and process automation during tunnelling.
Tunnelling is a process requiring continuous monitoring of the safety of people, machines, and environmental conditions. Work in tunnels and with TBM machines often takes place under high‑risk conditions. Gas, moisture, variable geology, limited visibility, and machines operating right next to humans. A single unrecognised signal and the risk escalates faster than anyone can react.
The key component of the ATS system is AT‑VCAS – an innovative detection and distance measurement module, developed as a new product solution dedicated to the tunnelling industry. The AT‑VCAS system uses a combination of two radio technologies: the 2.4 GHz band and UWB technology, which allows for effective object detection and precise distance measurement in the demanding tunnel environment.
The ATS tunnel automation system takes on this supervision. It monitors, detects, communicates, and measures, and in the event of a hazard, it triggers a reaction without waiting for the operator.
The heart of the ATS is AT‑VCAS, our proprietary detection and distance measurement module, built specifically for tunnels. It combines two radio bands, 2.4 GHz and UWB, to precisely measure distance in an environment that interferes with and reflects the signal. The operating range spans from a few metres up to 200–300 m, and TWR measurement covers multiple tags in one zone simultaneously.
The innovation of the AT‑VCAS solution lies in analysing data from transponders operating in different bands and processing it using arbitration and estimation algorithms, applying corrections for reflections typical of the underground working. The result: the system knows in real time where a person, machine, and infrastructure element are located.
ATS with the AT‑VCAS module combines monitoring, detection, communication, and distance measurement into a single system, linked with industrial control and safety. With knowledge, we see what is happening in the tunnel. With experience, we know when to react.
Tunnelling forgives no errors. We take on control, supervision, and reaction to hazards so your team can focus on progress rather than watching sensors.
In a tunnel, humans and machines share a few metres. AT‑VCAS measures this distance non‑stop and triggers an alarm before the gap becomes dangerous. It is our proprietary module, built specifically for tunnels.
Measurement without reception is a loss. We collect parameters from the entire tunnelling face and deliver them where someone needs to react, either on‑site or remotely.
When something goes wrong, seconds count to pass the information. We provide communication that works in noise, dust, and across the distances of a tunnel.
Methane or carbon monoxide do not give a second chance. Our sensors detect them early and trigger safety procedures without waiting for an operator.
One bad protective connection is a real risk. We check earth continuity automatically and signal a problem before it becomes a hazard.
A communication failure in a tunnel cuts people off from help. We build the system with redundancy so that it does not go silent even if one component fails.