Enhancing Workplace Safety with the Innovative Atara-N Millimeter Wave Sensor

A Step Towards Safer Construction Sites

On June 12, 2025, Nikken Rental Co., Ltd., a Tokyo-based company, announced its groundbreaking technology aimed to enhance safety on construction sites: the Atara-N millimeter wave sensor. This innovative device is designed to minimize contacts between heavy machinery and people or obstacles by employing both auditory and visual warnings.

Scheduled to be showcased at the CSPI-EXPO 2025, from June 18 to 21 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, the Atara-N aims to address a pressing concern: the high rate of forklift accidents. With an alarming number of incidents attributed to factors such as poor visibility, lack of seatbelt use, and operator errors, the need for effective preventive solutions has never been more critical.

Development Motivation

The development of the Atara-N sensor was initiated following feedback from clients expressing concerns about the frequency of forklift accidents. Common causes include:
1. Limited visibility and unnoticed blind spots
2. Absence of seatbelts
3. Lack of a safety guide
4. Unstable load handling
5. Mistakes during operations on inclines or uneven surfaces

By focusing on these issues, Nikken Rental has engineered a solution that empowers operators to work with increased confidence and security.

Key Features of Atara-N

The Atara-N boasts several remarkable attributes that enhance its usability:

- Easy Attachment with Powerful Magnets: The sensor can be effortlessly installed or removed, allowing for flexibility in its application.
- Cordless Convenience: Powered by batteries with a continuous operation time of approximately 80 hours (duration may vary based on the usage environment), it utilizes Bluetooth communication, eliminating cumbersome wiring.
- Durability: With a high water and dust resistance rating (IP67), the device is suited for demanding environments.
- Multiple Device Connectivity: A single monitor can communicate with up to four sensors simultaneously, maximizing effectiveness.
- User-Friendly Customization: Operators can easily check the distance between the machinery and objects via a smartphone or tablet, tailoring settings to fit specific operational requirements.

Installation Case Studies

The Atara-N has been successfully attached to various heavy machinery, including:

- Cranes
- Forklifts
- Aerial work platforms

These case studies illustrate the versatility of the product, helping to secure a wide range of equipment against potential accidents.

Commitment to Safety

Nikken Rental remains devoted to listening to its customers' needs and continuously innovating to provide safe and reliable products. The introduction of the Atara-N sensor represents a significant step forward in preventing accidents and promoting safer operations in construction settings. The commitment to enhancing workplace safety is at the forefront of Nikken Rental's mission, underlining the critical intersection of technology and worker welfare.

As we approach the CSPI-EXPO 2025, industry professionals are encouraged to visit the Nikken Rental booth to witness firsthand how the Atara-N can transform safety practices on their job sites.