Germany: Lufft introduces VS2k and launches MARWIS 2.0

The new VS2k-UMB visibility sensor will replace the VS20-UMB optical sensor from the middle of May. The Lufft-UMB VS2k is the first product of an entire series in this segment. The award-winning technology among the Lufft sensors, the MARWIS mobile road sensor, is getting a useful update. The second generation of the sensor replaces its predecessor from now on.

Best tuned to its environment: the new VS2k-UMB visibility sensor

Lufft's visibility sensor VS2k-UMB is another optical sensor now marketed. In the traffic sector, it serves as equipment for road weather stations and traffic control systems. The sensor measures accurate visibility values in a range of up to 2,000 meters. The VS2k-UMB model replaces the VS20-UMB, which has been used around the world for 10 years. Thanks to intensive development work, the VS2k-UMB visibility sensor features enhanced product characteristics such as a highly optimized housing alloy that is seawater resistant and therefore suitable for offshore use. During numerous saltwater tests, the sensor showed stable longevity even under the most extreme conditions.

The new housing design reduces maintenance frequency significantly, not least by active spider defense. A motor that vibrates within the housing at irregular intervals prevents the arachnids from nestling, which would be a source of interference. In addition, the VS2k visibility sensor has been equipped with further sensors that detect contamination on the optics. Also, the calibration concept has been largely improved. An optionally available calibration disk can be easily attached with magnets and an anchoring to the sensor with little effort.

The new VS2k-UMB visibility sensor is the first product of an entire series that is currently being launched by the sensor company. Another device version with a maximum range of 25 kilometers will be available by mid-year.

MARWIS 2.0 measures air temperature and relative humidity

The mobile road sensor MARWIS, which was among those that were awarded the Industry Prize 2015, measures additional environmental data. The new MARWIS 2.0 version has been equipped with an external temperature sensor which detects the air temperature. With the aid of the other measured variables, this allows the relative humidity to be determined. Until now, the road sensor could measure variables such as the road surface temperature, water film thickness, dew point or road conditions.

Directly attached to the vehicle, the smart sensor transmits the data 100 times per second via Bluetooth in real time to a tablet, smart phone, or an alternative output device in the cab. By using a data cloud, MARWIS can forward the app measurements to the control center, where operations managers can track the test runs using the View Mondo management software.

This version update was launched after requests by many customers. In addition to the road conditions, weather-related data such as the temperature and relative humidity also play a role in evaluating critical conditions such as ice, snow, and hydroplaning. The addition of these two fair values to the road sensor was thus a logical and above all, a practically oriented extension. MARWIS 2.0 will now replace the current model.