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The transport industry is witnessing a transformation as BPW introduces its new iC Plus running gear generation, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce operating costs and enhance safety. This technology, which has been successful in the UK, is now being implemented across Europe. The iC Plus system uses intelligent algorithms to analyze brake performance, identify maintenance needs, and prevent costly and dangerous issues before they occur.
Key Highlights:
- AI-Driven Brake Analysis: iC Plus analyzes brake performance using data from the Electronic Braking System (EBS) to detect maintenance needs.
- Predictive Maintenance: The system identifies issues such as defective air hoses, sluggish brake calipers, and weakening springs before they lead to breakdowns.
- UK Proven Technology: The technology has been effective in reducing downtimes in the UK and is now being adopted in Europe.
- Telematics Integration: iC Plus includes telematics hardware that provides real-time data and maintenance alerts to drivers, fleet managers, and dispatchers.
- Digital Maintenance Management: BPW’s system integrates statutory inspection regulations and maintenance instructions, documenting all work digitally.
Innovative AI Integration
The BPW Group has long been a leader in the digital networking of drivers, freight, and vehicles, aiming to boost efficiency for transport companies. With iC Plus, BPW introduces AI into trailer running gear, enabling the system to detect data patterns that indicate the need for maintenance. This includes informing relevant personnel when brakes require attention, thus preventing expensive repairs and accidents.
BPW’s use of existing data from the EBS, along with brake lining wear sensors, allows for a sophisticated analysis without the need for additional sensors. The AI system filters out temporary reaction patterns caused by road conditions, ensuring accurate maintenance alerts.
Proven Success and Expansion
Brake performance measurement, which has been mandated in the UK, has shown significant benefits in reducing downtime and improving fleet efficiency. The iC Plus system, now available in Europe, adapts this successful model to a broader market, offering predictive maintenance and enhanced safety.
The integration of digital services, such as BPW’s digital maintenance management system and idem telematics, further streamlines the process. These systems provide fleet managers with flexibility in planning maintenance and access to detailed vehicle information via the cargofleet 3 telematics portal.
Expert Insights
Caren Freudenberg, Product Manager at BPW, highlights the benefits of this innovation: “Together with idem telematics, BPW has created a new generation of running gear that makes both vehicle operation and the entire transport process more economical. Rolling data analysis saves the fleet operator unnecessary visits to the workshop and maximizes vehicle availability. All information relating to utilization, operation, driver, and vehicle performance is available to the fleet operator at any time at the click of a mouse via the cargofleet 3 telematics portal from idem telematics. This reveals potential and increases the efficiency of fleet management. The open-system platform also enables controlled, secure data exchange with external applications, such as transport management or ERP systems. Transport today couldn’t be smarter or more efficient.”
Bottom Line
The introduction of BPW’s iC Plus running gear generation marks a significant advancement in the transport industry. By utilizing AI and telematics, BPW offers a solution that not only enhances safety and reduces costs but also optimizes fleet management and vehicle availability. This innovation underscores the transformative potential of AI in trailer operations, setting a new standard for efficiency and reliability in the industry.
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