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Innovation in Agriculture: Atvos Implements Real-Time Monitoring System for Safety in Sugar Cane Fields
In a constant effort to enhance safety in its agricultural practices, Atvos, one of the giants in ethanol production in Brazil, launched a groundbreaking project using a GPS device attached to the vehicles used in the fields. This initiative is aimed at preventing workplace and environmental accidents in areas close to electrical networks in its sugar cane fields. The pioneering implementation, which started in 2022 at the Santa Luzia Unit (USL) in Nova Alvorada do Sul (MS), is now ready to be extended to other regions of the country.
Innovative Strategy: The Use of Technology to Minimize Risks
“Safety is a core value for Atvos, and we are continuously committed to caring for people and the planet both inside and outside our operations. Therefore, we are increasingly investing in innovative safety solutions to mitigate any risks”, says Ayslan Fingler, Health, Safety, and Environment Manager of Atvos’ Southern Hub.
With the support of the Topography department, the project called “Protection System for Fixed Points of Electrified Networks” was developed by Atvos’ Health, Safety, and Environment (SSMA) sector. This system mapped approximately 85,000 hectares of owned and supplier sugar cane fields, registering about 6,000 poles and overhead and underground electrical networks at the Santa Luzia Unit (USL). All this information has been incorporated into the GPS system used in tractors, trucks, and harvesters operating in the area.
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Benefits of Innovation: Real-Time Alert for More Safety
“In the previous version, we didn’t have the option to indicate the exact location of each pole in the area. Now, at the slightest sign of the presence of these high and medium voltage structures, in addition to holes, drains, and other potential risks for operation, an alert is triggered within seconds on the screen of the device attached to the vehicles. This is possible thanks to georeferencing monitoring, which provides precise and real-time location, enhancing safety in the activity”, explains Ayslan.
Now, after the successful pilot project, the expectation is to implement this innovation in the other agro-industrial operations of Atvos, located in the states of Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and the Oeste Paulista. “Our internal SSMA teams are already mapping the equipment from other units for system adaptation and evaluation of local risks, with the intention of expanding the use of this same protection technology”, concludes the manager.
