Demonstration Testing and Mass-Production Design of Sensors for MWD

「To assess road condition, an important element of infrastructure maintenance, we continue to focus on developing high-precision sensors for deflection-measuring vehicles (MWD). By combining non-contact sensor technology suited to mobile measurement with high-precision GPS, inertial measurement equipment and other technologies, we are working to realize a system capable of obtaining extensive, highly accurate road-surface information while minimizing the need for traffic restrictions.」

「MWD is a specialized vehicle that measures road deflection, on the order of millimetres, while driving. The conventional method for measuring deflection is FWD, which involves stopping the vehicle and dropping a weight to take measurements. Although this method is accurate, it was problematic because it can measure only a few kilometres per day and requires traffic restrictions. MWD, by contrast, measures deflection while driving, eliminating the need for traffic restrictions and allowing more than 100 kilometres to be measured per day. Our Group is developing the sensor component used to measure deflection. The sensors are currently installed on a prototype vehicle, where demonstration testing is under way. In parallel, we are designing structural improvements with a view to full-scale production.」