SEEN SAFETY SYStem FAQs

Select from the following Categories, or browse our Frequently Asked Questions.

About the SEEN Safety System

  • The SEEN Safety System is a pedestrian detection system for forklifts and MHE that detects retroreflective tape on high-vis workwear and marked objects. It detects, alerts, and uploads evidence to help to prevent workplace accidents. The key system components are: IRIS 860 sensor (for detection), IRIS-i camera (for evidence capture) and SEEN Insight (for post event analysis).

  • SEEN combines an active LIDAR sensor—for reliable detection without electronic tags— an IoT camera to capture evidence, and a post-event AI-assisted analytics platform to inform lasting safety changes. This combination enables highly reliable detection, while remaining simple and affordable.

  • The IRIS 860 sensor uses an infrared laser to detect retroreflective tape on high-vis workwear, or on marked objects.

  • The SEEN Safety System consists of the IRIS 860 sensor and the IRIS-i camera. Depending on the operating environment and machine type, some additional accessories may be needed.

  • SEEN doesn’t use AI for mission critical detection, but uses AI in SEEN Insight post detection, to add classification labels which assist users to quickly find detection events of interest.

Where SEEN Is Used

  • SEEN is designed for congested, high-traffic industrial environments where the workforce has a high level of PPE compliance. From warehouses and manufacturing facilities to transport hubs, SEEN helps prevent accidents wherever people and MHE need to work in close proximity.

  • The SEEN Safety System is most commonly installed on material handling equipment in industries such as freight logistics, distribution, manufacturing, food and beverage, ports, heavy materials processing, waste and recycling, forest products, and more. 

  • Yes. SEEN sensors work equally reliably in all conditions—indoors or outdoors. They are unaffected by ambient lighting or weather conditions, including complete darkness and bright sun glare. System components are rated IP67.

  • Yes. Because the SEEN System features a precisely shaped, customizable detection area, it delivers highly targeted coverage. This avoids the problems associated with over-detection, allowing it to remain highly effective even in busy, confined spaces.

Alerts & Detection

  • The sensor emits a loud audible alert which simultaneously warns the driver and pedestrian of potential danger. Visual evidence of the detection is uploaded to SEEN Insight.

  • The sensor’s maximum detection distance is 8m / 26ft. The detection zone can be customized to alert at any distance up to 8m/26ft. SEEN’s Detection Zone Guide provides information about setting an appropriate detection zone.

  • Technically yes, but we generally don’t recommend it. While 360° detection may sound like a good idea it often leads to over-alerting, resulting in operator fatigue and disengagement. Each SEEN sensor has a precise 60° field of view—allowing it to focus only on the highest-risk area. Talk to us if you’d like to figure out the optimal detection coverage for your equipment.

  • Thanks to SEEN’s unique IRIS detection technology,  detection performance is consistently high across a wide range of challenging conditions including: total darkness, bright glare, rain, condensation, dust, dirt, RF interference, shock, and vibration.

  • The combination of precisely targeted detection, vehicle-direction dependent alerts, and selective (retroreflector only) detection ensures IRIS 860 sensors deliver relevant, actionable alerts for operators.

  • Yes. IRIS 860 sensors output a signal that can be used to initiate machine slowdown. Talk to us about your specific requirements, as this depends on the machine capability and regulatory environment.

Installation & Setup

  • Installation typically takes 2–3 hours per sensor, though the actual installation time may vary depending on machine type and configuration.

  • Yes, the SEEN system can be retrofitted on any make or model of MHE, regardless of its age.

  • Yes. The SEEN Safety System is suitable for all makes and models of MHE, ensuring seamless integration across your entire fleet. SEEN works across every brand and can move with you—so you’re free to run a mixed fleet and change suppliers anytime.

  • Yes. Sufficient reflective material must be visible from 360º to ensure reliable detection. IRIS 860 sensors are optimised to detect the reflective tape on standard class 2 day/night high visibility safety apparel, or similar. They can also detect retroreflective tape applied to high value assets or marked objects. Refer to SEEN’s Reflective Tape Requirements for more information.

Data & SEEN Insight

  • SEEN Insight is SEEN’s AI-assisted online data platform that provides objective evidence for every detection. Safety managers use the platform to view, analyze, and report on near-miss events, helping them make informed, proactive decisions.

  • For each detection event, SEEN captures: still image, short video snippet (without sound), and key metadata such as time, duration, distance, and movement paths.

  • Data is securely uploaded to SEEN Insight via the cellular LTE network, using the IRIS-i camera’s embedded global roaming SIM. There is a fixed monthly connection cost per camera, and no limit to how many detections can be uploaded. 

  • No. IRIS-i cameras only capture data related to specific high risk proximity events, and cannot be used for continuous monitoring or facial recognition. To further protect privacy, SEEN cameras can not record sound. 

  • The SEEN Insight system has been designed to ensure the safety and privacy of the data. Our commitment to security is reflected in our hardware and software architecture and data storage practices. Read about our Data Security in the SEEN Insight User Guide.

  • Yes. Detection images, videos, and associated data can be reviewed on the SEEN Insight platform and will be retained in accordance with SEEN’s Data Retention Policy for a minimum of 18 months.

  • Yes. A still image and short silent video is captured for each sensor detection.

  • SEEN Insight allows safety teams to quickly identify high-risk machine-pedestrian interactions and make proactive, informed safety decisions with confidence.

Integration & Compatibility

  • No, the SEEN System operates completely independently of corporate IT networks.

  • Yes. The SEEN Safety System is compatible with all makes and models of MHE, ensuring seamless integration across your entire fleet. SEEN works across every brand, is quick to install, and moves with you—so you’re free to run a mixed fleet and change suppliers anytime.

Reliability & Environment

  • The IRIS 860 can detect retroreflectors consistently well in total darkness, bright sunlight, rain, condensation, dust, dirt, RF interference, shock, and heavy vibration.

  • Yes. The SEEN System is designed for environmental durability. It is IP67 rated and built for harsh industrial conditions on heavy mobile equipment of all types.

Pricing & Purchasing

  • SEEN sensors are designed to be affordable and cost significantly less than comparable systems. With no on-going cost, they are an ideal solution for large fleets. Download our price guide here.

  • If you are using the SEEN System (which includes the IRIS-i camera) there is a monthly connection fee, however if you are using a SEEN sensor alone, there are no ongoing costs.

  • SEEN sensors are a highly effective safety solution—but like any technology, they work best in the right environment. Review the questions in our CheckFit tool to see if SEEN is a good match for your business. 

  • Contact us and we’ll connect you with a SEEN representative in your region to discuss your needs and link you with a suitable supplier. With both upfront purchase and monthly rental options available, we’ll help you find the solution that best fits your needs.

Support

  • The SEEN System Installation Guide is a comprehensive resource supporting the SEEN System. 

    The SEEN Insight User Guide contains information supporting how to use the SEEN Insight application. 

    Additional resources can be found on our website Resources.

  • Check the troubleshooting checks mentioned below, and if you are still concerned, contact support@seensafety.com.

Troubleshooting

  • Possible cause: The direction signal is not connected. By default the sensor is set so it can only alert while receiving a direction signal (usually reverse) from the machine.

    Solution: Ensure that all 3 wires on the sensor (or Cab Box) power cable are correctly wired to the machine’s direction signal, power, and ground. 

    Possible cause: The retroreflective material is too close to the sensor.

    Solution: Move further back. Detection starts 0.8m /2.6ft from the sensor face. 

    Possible cause: The retroreflective material is worn out or is of insufficient size to enable detection.

  • Possible cause: The direction signal input wire is twisted together with the ignition power wire, meaning the direction signal is always high.

    Solution: Ensure that the 3 wires on the sensor (or Cab Box) power cable are correctly wired to the machine’s direction signal, power, and ground.

  • Possible cause: Electrical earthing issue on the direction signal.

    Solution: Check that the ground reference on the direction signal is the same as the ground reference on the sensor power supply. Refer to the full Installation Guide for more information.

  • Possible cause: The Cab Box is wired to the machine using the 5-PIN sensor power cable, instead of the 4-PIN cab box power cable supplied with the cab box.

    Solution: Use the 4 PIN Cab Box power cable supplied with the Cab Box. Do not use the 5 PIN sensor power cable supplied with each sensor.

  • Cause: Blocked window.

    Solution: Clean the windows and the self-check alert should cease. If the sensor is operating in a cold-store freezer, ice on the window may be triggering the self checking function. Refer to the Internal Self Check section in the Installation Guide.

  • Cause: Internal fault detected.

    Solution: There are no user serviceable parts. Contact support@seensafety.com

  • Possible cause: The 300mm M12 connector cable might be plugged into the sensor’s accessory port by mistake. 

    Solution: Ensure that the cable is plugged into both the camera’s 8 pin M12 sensor socket (bottom right of camera) and the sensor’s 5 pin M12 power socket (top right of sensor).

  • Check the troubleshooting checks mentioned above, and if you are still concerned, contact support@seensafety.com.

  • The first place to check is the SEEN Insight User Guide. If you need further support, contact support@seensafety.com.