Technologies that see danger: how CV and LiDAR save people’s lives and health
Article date
08 01 2025
Article Author
Konstantin Matveev
Reading Time
7 minutes
Today, CV (computer vision) and LiDAR (laser scanning) are not just “smart sensors”. They are digital guardians capable of preventing up to 70% of accidents in the most risky industries. They are able to detect the smallest deviations in people’s and equipment’s behaviour, instantly analyse the situation and issue commands to stop the machine, give a sound warning or evacuate. Let’s consider practical scenarios of using these technologies in industry, transport, construction and public sphere.
1. Monitoring the use of personal protective equipment
Problem. On production sites, workers often neglect helmets, goggles, or gloves, which can lead to injuries from falling objects, sparks, or chemical splashes.
Solution. CV cameras provide real-time monitoring of workers' headwear, goggles, gloves, and vests. When a violation is detected, the system immediately sounds an alarm, highlights the location on the screen, and sends an SMS or push notification to the shift supervisor.
How it works. The algorithms are trained to recognise the shapes and colours of personal protective equipment. If a person is detected without a hard hat in a high-risk area, the train stops, the conveyor is blocked, and the gates to the territory are closed.
Solution. CV cameras provide real-time monitoring of workers' headwear, goggles, gloves, and vests. When a violation is detected, the system immediately sounds an alarm, highlights the location on the screen, and sends an SMS or push notification to the shift supervisor.
How it works. The algorithms are trained to recognise the shapes and colours of personal protective equipment. If a person is detected without a hard hat in a high-risk area, the train stops, the conveyor is blocked, and the gates to the territory are closed.
2. Protection of "red zones" around machines
Problem. Robotic presses and hydraulic machines operate with great force and speed: one wrong move by a person near the "machine head" can lead to severe injuries or death.
Solution. CV and LiDAR cameras create a virtual barrier — a "geozone" around dangerous equipment. When a person approaches this perimeter, the system immediately stops the mechanism and turns on a warning signal.
How it works. LiDAR scans the volume around the machine, builds a three-dimensional model, and CV confirms the presence of a living object. Dangerously close signals are transmitted to the controller, which turns off the drive power.
Solution. CV and LiDAR cameras create a virtual barrier — a "geozone" around dangerous equipment. When a person approaches this perimeter, the system immediately stops the mechanism and turns on a warning signal.
How it works. LiDAR scans the volume around the machine, builds a three-dimensional model, and CV confirms the presence of a living object. Dangerously close signals are transmitted to the controller, which turns off the drive power.
3. Fatigue detection
Problem. Dispatchers, drivers, machinists work for long periods in monotonous conditions and risk falling asleep or missing critical alarm signals due to fatigue.
Solution. A facial recognition camera monitors blink rate, head position and yawning frequency. When drowsiness is detected, the system triggers audible alerts and seat vibrations.
How it works. Computer vision algorithms identify fatigue indicators like prolonged eye closure or nodding. After continuous operation beyond safe limits, the system activates gentle wake-up stimuli through headphones or headrest vibrations.
Solution. A facial recognition camera monitors blink rate, head position and yawning frequency. When drowsiness is detected, the system triggers audible alerts and seat vibrations.
How it works. Computer vision algorithms identify fatigue indicators like prolonged eye closure or nodding. After continuous operation beyond safe limits, the system activates gentle wake-up stimuli through headphones or headrest vibrations.
4. Control of two-handed equipment activation
Problem. Many presses and band saws require pressing two buttons simultaneously — one in each hand — to prevent the operator's limbs from entering the work area. This rule is often violated.
Solution. CV cameras track hand and body positions. If the system detects one hand in the danger zone during startup attempts, it blocks operation and displays a warning on the control panel.
How it works. Stereo cameras map hand positions in 3D space relative to the safety zones. The machine only activates when both buttons are pressed simultaneously and hands are clear of the cutting area.
Solution. CV cameras track hand and body positions. If the system detects one hand in the danger zone during startup attempts, it blocks operation and displays a warning on the control panel.
How it works. Stereo cameras map hand positions in 3D space relative to the safety zones. The machine only activates when both buttons are pressed simultaneously and hands are clear of the cutting area.
5. Protection against "blind zones"
Problem. Excavators and dump trucks have massive blind spots where people and equipment can become invisible to operators, creating collision risks.
Solution. 360° LiDAR and camera arrays create real-time proximity maps, triggering visual and audible alerts when objects enter danger zones.
How it works. Multiple sensors scan the environment 10 times per second, with CV distinguishing between people and objects. The system automatically initiates braking when safe distances are compromised.
Solution. 360° LiDAR and camera arrays create real-time proximity maps, triggering visual and audible alerts when objects enter danger zones.
How it works. Multiple sensors scan the environment 10 times per second, with CV distinguishing between people and objects. The system automatically initiates braking when safe distances are compromised.
6. Preventing people from being under a suspended load
Problem. A heavy container or construction material lifted by a crane is a high-risk area: the destruction of slings or an operator error can lead to the death of everyone below.
Solution. The CV cameras on the site and the LiDAR on the crane boom track the cargo trajectory and detect the presence of people in the cargo shadow. When a person enters the danger zone, the system blocks the crane's lift command.
How it works. The system builds a virtual "cone of possible fall," constantly updates its geometry, and compares it with moving objects. A red zone appears on the crane monitor, and the lift is automatically suspended.
Solution. The CV cameras on the site and the LiDAR on the crane boom track the cargo trajectory and detect the presence of people in the cargo shadow. When a person enters the danger zone, the system blocks the crane's lift command.
How it works. The system builds a virtual "cone of possible fall," constantly updates its geometry, and compares it with moving objects. A red zone appears on the crane monitor, and the lift is automatically suspended.
7. Monitoring the stability of the quarry or pit walls
Problem. Geological strata can suddenly sink or collapse, especially in wet soils, and bury people and equipment.
Solution. Stationary LiDAR scanners capture point clouds of excavation boundaries every minute. When detecting movements exceeding safe thresholds (>5 mm), the system triggers evacuation protocols.
How it works. Continuous comparison between current scans and baseline maps identifies dangerous deformation patterns. The system automatically alerts control centers when movement velocities exceed safety limits.
Solution. Stationary LiDAR scanners capture point clouds of excavation boundaries every minute. When detecting movements exceeding safe thresholds (>5 mm), the system triggers evacuation protocols.
How it works. Continuous comparison between current scans and baseline maps identifies dangerous deformation patterns. The system automatically alerts control centers when movement velocities exceed safety limits.
8. Monitoring the safe approach to the edge of high-rise structures
Problem. Construction workers, inspectors, and other specialists often work on rooftops or bridges without proper safety barriers, and they may slip just a few meters away from the edge.
Solution. CV cameras create a virtual safety line, and if a person approaches the set distance, the system sends a vibration signal to the worker's wearable device or activates a general alarm at the facility.
How it works. A wearable badge or hard hat is equipped with Bluetooth tags: CV identifies a person and ties it to the coordinates in the frame. When the "red" line is crossed, the sensors in the hard hat "call" the owner and the engineer on duty.
Solution. CV cameras create a virtual safety line, and if a person approaches the set distance, the system sends a vibration signal to the worker's wearable device or activates a general alarm at the facility.
How it works. A wearable badge or hard hat is equipped with Bluetooth tags: CV identifies a person and ties it to the coordinates in the frame. When the "red" line is crossed, the sensors in the hard hat "call" the owner and the engineer on duty.
9. Preventing collisions between warehouse equipment and personnel
Problem. Forklifts, pallet jacks and robotic conveyors navigate tight warehouse aisles where workers may suddenly emerge from behind racks into their path.
Solution. Onboard CV cameras detect pedestrians, calculate approach speeds and automatically apply braking when safe distances are compromised.
How it works. Combined camera/LiDAR systems create real-time obstacle maps, classifying objects by size and movement patterns. The system initiates full stops when humans are detected within 1-2 meter danger zones.
Solution. Onboard CV cameras detect pedestrians, calculate approach speeds and automatically apply braking when safe distances are compromised.
How it works. Combined camera/LiDAR systems create real-time obstacle maps, classifying objects by size and movement patterns. The system initiates full stops when humans are detected within 1-2 meter danger zones.
10. Control of railway crossings
Problem. Motorists sometimes bypass crossing barriers, entering tracks directly in front of approaching trains.
Solution. Integrated CV and LiDAR systems detect vehicles on tracks, calculating collision risks and triggering emergency protocols.
How it works. LiDAR first identifies obstacles while CV classifies vehicle types. When danger thresholds are exceeded, the system automatically activates train brakes and warning sirens while alerting dispatch centers.
Solution. Integrated CV and LiDAR systems detect vehicles on tracks, calculating collision risks and triggering emergency protocols.
How it works. LiDAR first identifies obstacles while CV classifies vehicle types. When danger thresholds are exceeded, the system automatically activates train brakes and warning sirens while alerting dispatch centers.
11. Detection of foreign objects
Problem. Tools, debris or wildlife on the highway, railway tracks or runways pose a serious threat to vehicles.
Solution. Stationary LiDAR scanners together with the CV overview cameras continuously scan the specified area and signal to the dispatchers any unscheduled objects with an accuracy of 5-10 cm.
How it works. Comparison of the "clean" object and the current point cloud allows you to identify a new item. The system instantly marks the coordinates and displays them on the operator's console.
Solution. Stationary LiDAR scanners together with the CV overview cameras continuously scan the specified area and signal to the dispatchers any unscheduled objects with an accuracy of 5-10 cm.
How it works. Comparison of the "clean" object and the current point cloud allows you to identify a new item. The system instantly marks the coordinates and displays them on the operator's console.
12. Detecting a person falling onto the subway tracks
Problem. A passenger falls onto the tracks, and the driver has only 1-2 seconds to apply emergency braking.
Solution. The CV system on the platform detects an intrusion beyond the yellow line and a fall onto the tracks, immediately sending an alarm to the traffic control system, which triggers the maximum emergency braking mode.
How it works. Cameras with a wide field of view analyse each frame, algorithms recognise the "man lying down" pose and automatically alert the locomotive crew and the central control room.
Solution. The CV system on the platform detects an intrusion beyond the yellow line and a fall onto the tracks, immediately sending an alarm to the traffic control system, which triggers the maximum emergency braking mode.
How it works. Cameras with a wide field of view analyse each frame, algorithms recognise the "man lying down" pose and automatically alert the locomotive crew and the central control room.
13. Monitoring the approach of special equipment to power lines
Problem. Cranes, harvesters and construction equipment near power lines risk contacting live wires, creating potentially fatal electrocution hazards.
Solution. Onboard LiDAR scanners continuously monitor clearance distances, automatically locking boom movement and alerting operators when minimum safe distances are compromised.
How it works. The system creates real-time 3D models of power lines, disabling equipment controls when distances fall below the 2-meter safety threshold and activating multiple warning indicators.
Solution. Onboard LiDAR scanners continuously monitor clearance distances, automatically locking boom movement and alerting operators when minimum safe distances are compromised.
How it works. The system creates real-time 3D models of power lines, disabling equipment controls when distances fall below the 2-meter safety threshold and activating multiple warning indicators.
14. Gas leak detection using infrared cameras
Problem. Hydrocarbon gases are invisible, but when they accumulate, they create an explosive mixture.
Solution. IR cameras operating in the Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) spectrum, together with CV modules, detect a gas cloud and determine the point of leakage with an accuracy of several centimeters.
How it works. The cameras detect anomalies in the infrared spectrum, the algorithms select a characteristic "fluid silhouette" and transmit a signal to the operators of the emergency service.
Solution. IR cameras operating in the Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) spectrum, together with CV modules, detect a gas cloud and determine the point of leakage with an accuracy of several centimeters.
How it works. The cameras detect anomalies in the infrared spectrum, the algorithms select a characteristic "fluid silhouette" and transmit a signal to the operators of the emergency service.
15. Monitoring personnel in confined spaces
Problem. A worker inside a tank, collector, or reservoir may lose consciousness due to toxic gases or a lack of oxygen.
Solution. A temporary camera at the entrance to the area allows you to monitor a person's movements. If there is no change in the frame for a set amount of time (for example, more than 2 minutes), the system sends an alarm to the rescue team.
How it works. A simple CV model analyses the movement of pixels and recognises when an object is "frozen" in the frame. The system automatically sends an SMS alert and activates the siren at the entrance.
Solution. A temporary camera at the entrance to the area allows you to monitor a person's movements. If there is no change in the frame for a set amount of time (for example, more than 2 minutes), the system sends an alarm to the rescue team.
How it works. A simple CV model analyses the movement of pixels and recognises when an object is "frozen" in the frame. The system automatically sends an SMS alert and activates the siren at the entrance.
16. Detection of abandoned items in public places
Problem. An abandoned suitcase, bag or box at an airport, shopping centre or train station may contain hazardous substances.
Solution. A CCTV system with CV tracks static objects laid out away from people for more than 30 s. A notification is displayed to the operator with a camera link and a picture of the object.
How it works. CV algorithms classify objects and check the presence of an "owner" within a radius of 1.5 m. If a person leaves, the item is highlighted on the screen and an alert is sent.
Solution. A CCTV system with CV tracks static objects laid out away from people for more than 30 s. A notification is displayed to the operator with a camera link and a picture of the object.
How it works. CV algorithms classify objects and check the presence of an "owner" within a radius of 1.5 m. If a person leaves, the item is highlighted on the screen and an alert is sent.
17. Early detection of fires
Problem. Standard smoke detectors trigger when the fire has already started. In large hangars or open warehouses, this is too late.
Solution. The CV system analyses the video stream for subtle smoke trails or the slightest flicker of flame and sends a signal to the fire department.
How it works. The model is trained to recognise colour and texture changes characteristic of smoke. When the statistical threshold of alarm signs is reached, the local sprinkler system is activated and a signal is sent to the fire department.
Solution. The CV system analyses the video stream for subtle smoke trails or the slightest flicker of flame and sends a signal to the fire department.
How it works. The model is trained to recognise colour and texture changes characteristic of smoke. When the statistical threshold of alarm signs is reached, the local sprinkler system is activated and a signal is sent to the fire department.
18. Detection of falls in medical facilities and nursing homes
Problem. An elderly patient may fall and not have the strength to get up or call for help.
Solution. Cameras with CV analyse silhouettes and movement dynamics: signs of a sudden fall are marked as an alarm, instantly transmitting an alert to a nurse or care service employee.
How it works. The system compares the trajectory of a person's centre of mass and the speed of movement. When a characteristic "fall line" is detected, an alarm ticket appears on the attendant's screen.
Solution. Cameras with CV analyse silhouettes and movement dynamics: signs of a sudden fall are marked as an alarm, instantly transmitting an alert to a nurse or care service employee.
How it works. The system compares the trajectory of a person's centre of mass and the speed of movement. When a characteristic "fall line" is detected, an alarm ticket appears on the attendant's screen.
19. Detection of a person overboard on ships
Problem. A person falling into the water often goes unnoticed, especially at night and in bad weather.
Solution. Thermal imaging cameras and conventional CV modules around the perimeter of the vessel constantly scan the water surface. When a thermal contrast characteristic of a human body appears in the frame, the system sends a "man overboard" signal with GPS coordinates.
How it works. The system combines information from several cameras, tracking moving warm objects above the water. When detected, it sends a signal to the bridge and the lifeboat.
Solution. Thermal imaging cameras and conventional CV modules around the perimeter of the vessel constantly scan the water surface. When a thermal contrast characteristic of a human body appears in the frame, the system sends a "man overboard" signal with GPS coordinates.
How it works. The system combines information from several cameras, tracking moving warm objects above the water. When detected, it sends a signal to the bridge and the lifeboat.
20. Preventing accidents in swimming pools
Problem. A lifeguard cannot monitor all swimmers simultaneously, especially in a crowded pool.
Solution. Underwater and above-water CV cameras analyse the movement of people in the water. The algorithms are trained to recognise atypical movements and the fading of splashes — the signature of a drowning person — and instantly alert the lifeguard.
How it works. The system builds a model of normal swimmers' behaviour, and then reacts to a sharp change in body position, the absence of movement of arms and legs for several seconds.
Solution. Underwater and above-water CV cameras analyse the movement of people in the water. The algorithms are trained to recognise atypical movements and the fading of splashes — the signature of a drowning person — and instantly alert the lifeguard.
How it works. The system builds a model of normal swimmers' behaviour, and then reacts to a sharp change in body position, the absence of movement of arms and legs for several seconds.
Conclusion
CV and LiDAR today is not a “future”, but a real tool for safety in facilities of any complexity. From industrial production to transport, from medicine to public spaces: digital guardians detect danger faster than a human and launch protection measures in fractions of a second. By implementing such systems, you do not just reduce the number of injuries – you save lives.
Ready to discuss application? Start with a pilot project on one of your sites - and make sure that the technology "sees" the danger before you.
Ready to discuss application? Start with a pilot project on one of your sites - and make sure that the technology "sees" the danger before you.