Cashman Offers Operator-Fatigue Monitoring Technology

Las Vegas-based Caterpillar dealer Cashman Equipment is now a Seeing Machines Limited dealer, responsible for delivery and support of operator-fatigue monitoring technology. The technology is designed to provide improve equipment-operator safety and productivity through patented eye- and head-tracking technology that detects operator fatigue and distraction.

The fatigue monitoring systems by Canberra, Australia-based Seeing Machines, alert the mine controller and machine operator in order to prevent accidents, property damage, and production loss.

"Our Driver Safety System is installed on approximately 4,000 mining trucks worldwide," said Russ Armbrust, vice president for business development at Seeing Machines Limited. "With this system in place, we have seen an average 80% reduction in fatigue and distraction events."

Seeing Machines’ Driver Safety System (DSS), a commercial system for mining trucks, is currently working on more than 20 mine sites and 1,500 vehicles at mine sites in the United States, including Newmont’s Phoenix mine near Battle Mountain.

The system continuously measures operator eye and eyelid behavior to determine the onset of fatigue and micro sleeps and delivers real-time detection and alerts, yet the operator is not required to wear any special equipment. Operator eye and eyelid behavior data is recorded and available for trending and analysis, similar to other Condition Monitoring services Cashman Equipment provides to customers. Additionally, automatic initialization and calibration of the dash-mounted camera requires no input from the operator. As a result, the system is transparent to the operator.

"First and foremost, this technology enhances operator safety for our customers – something that aligns with our primary company core value of safety," said David R. Griffin, Cashman Equipment general manager for equipment solutions. "Additionally, this partnership with Seeing Machines will expand our technology and Condition Monitoring offerings so we can continue to assist our customers with efficiency and productivity."

Caterpillar Global Mining entered into an alliance agreement with Seeing Machines in 2013. They plan to integrate Seeing Machines technology into Cat MineStar System mine management functions and to develop expanded capabilities. The alliance agreement also supports collaboration in future product development.

Founded in 1931 by James "Big Jim" Cashman, Cashman Equipment is one of the highest-rated Caterpillar equipment dealers in North America. Cashman provides new and used equipment for sale and rental, as well as high-quality parts and service to mining, construction, paving, truck engine, on-highway trucks, and power system industries throughout Nevada and parts of California. With LEED Gold certified corporate headquarters in Henderson, Nevada, Cashman is one of the largest privately-owned employers in the state. For more information, visit or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/CashmanEquipment) or Twitter (@cashmanequip).