Hiab's new HiVision virtual reality goggles keep the loading operator safely in the cab.
Hiab have used virtual reality (VR) goggles, cameras, and connectivity to develop a system with cameras on top of the forestry crane, which enables the operator to see the working area and operate the crane remotely using VR goggles. The new system is called the HiVision(TM) 3D control system, which Hiab claims is unique in the industry. There are four cameras located in a small box where the operator's head would normally be to allow a realistic 240-degree view for the HiVision(TM) operator, who controls the crane from the truck cabin. When the operator turns his head the goggle image switches from two forward-looking cameras to two sideways cameras.
Hiab sees this development in the context of a future where the operator doesn't even have to be in the truck, but operates remotely from a distance. They believe that soon there will be driverless trucks on the roads, and it would then not be feasible to have crane operators travelling around with the truck just to load and offload. It would even be possible for one person to operate several trucks remotely. Because safety regulations are becoming increasingly strict, it may become compulsory to introduce systems that replace unprotected top seats. Source: http://www.hiab.com/en/global/