Nominees 2021

ABUS Quin crash detection

ABUS bicycle helmets offer integrated crash detection in the form of the smart Quin system. Every helmet equipped with the Quin technology has a built-in accelerometer that detects and measures crashes. In the event of a crash, the system notifies an individual designated by the user, who can then call for assistance on their behalf.

“Even if you’re right, don’t let it drive you crazy”

The Ems branch of the General German Automobile Club has created an anti-road rage campaign. Rather than being preachy, pointing fingers, or describing specific situations, this is intended to be short and succinct, nonideological and nonpolitical, not telling people they have to go one way or another.

“Phones away – your life is more than just a story.”

In running the “phones away – your life is more than just a story” road safety campaign, the North Rhine branch of the General German Automobile Club aims to help cut out distracted driving, using a preventive and educational approach. The distinctive feature of the campaign is that it is directed quite specifically at young people aged 16-24, targeting student and novice drivers.

Mobility Observation Box – making road safety measurable

The Mobility Observation Box (MOB) makes it possible to measure the safety of transportation infrastructure according to objective criteria, allowing comparisons to be made between different pieces of infrastructure. Once the data has been collected, machine learning is used to automatically detect different groups of road users (pedestrians, cyclists, cars, trucks, e-scooters, etc.), before classifying them, evaluating their behavior during travel, and laying the foundations for targeted improvements.

Implementing Connected Vehicle Applications to improve safety in school zones and buses

To address school zone and school bus safety issues that children face daily. In order to develop and prove next-generation connected vehicle applications on school buses “talking to cars” using C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything) technology, with the end goal of providing safety benefits to children traveling to and from school.

Anti-distraction campaign

Drivers looking at their cellphones while on the road can kill. Part of an anti-distraction driving campaign, this film issues an urgent warning.

Blubrake ABS: increased safety for e-bikes and e-cargo bikes

Blubrake ABS (anti-lock braking system) is the only ABS for e-bikes completely integrable inside the e-bike frame and the only ABS for e-cargo bikes on the market. The system is compatible with third party motors, batteries and brakes and it can be delivered ready to install in a kit with the front brake, making its adoption trouble-free.

From asphalt to app

Bosch is developing an intelligent truck parking solution that will deliver greater safety for truck drivers, freight, and other road users. The two Bosch divisions, Building Technologies and Service Solutions, have jointly developed a potential solution for the shortage of truck parking spaces while bringing truck parking into the 21st century – an intelligent truck parking solution from asphalt to app. This will provide greater safety for truck drivers, road users, and the freight itself.

CTT Road Safety Programm

CTT implemented in 2015 a new Road-Saftey Program that covers a series of topics from vehicle safety, driver recruitment, training, accident control and recognition of drivers and teams more and constant communication on road safety with objective of reducing road accidents. We intend the different groups of drivers that exist in a large company.

Sideguard Assist with automated brake function

The Sideguard Assist system can warn a driver when making a right turn – for instance, if it identifies a pedestrian or cyclist in the monitoring zone on the passenger side. And in addition to Sideguard Assist, Active Sideguard Assist (ASGA) offers an additional function. As well as warning the driver of moving pedestrians or cyclists on the passenger side, the new system can also initiate an automated braking maneuver at turning speeds of up to 20km/h until the vehicle comes to a stop in cases where the driver does not respond to the warning sounds.

Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Vehicle Drives Laboratory

This system calculates characteristic values under real loading conditions for semi-trailers to determine total loads, load distribution, tire pressure/wear, brake condition, and road and bridge conditions. The aim of the system is to analyze driving dynamics, detecting signs of wear such as approaching tire blowouts or displaced cargo as well as identifying drivers who are becoming less attentive.

Early detection of road hazards through smart data with gefahrenstellen.de/FeGiS+

The gefahrenstellen.de/FeGiS+ road safety project is intended to prevent accidents and, in turn, significantly reduce injuries and deaths on the road. In concrete terms, the aim is to provide road users with an early warning regarding dangerous spots on the road as well as giving municipalities and police new findings on preventive action and changes to road infrastructure.

LMT Red Light Camera for preventing red light violations

Statistics show that in EU countries every 100th driver ignores the red-light signal, which often leads to serious consequences. The LMT's plug-and-play traffic lights camera uses computer vision technology to determine if a car has run a red light, then saves the car's number plate in the system for violations processing.

Pirelli Cyber Tyre

A monitoring platform which provides advanced information using tyre-mounted sensors that transmit data to vehicles that can be processed to generate factors which can impact safety. Using C-V2X technology.

SAFE-R: risk questionnaire developed to assess seniors’ fitness to drive

SAFE-R provides a multifactorial screening process, making it possible to test eleven evidence-based driving safety-related risk factors in older drivers with and without cognitive impairment.

Research project: What type of road layout do people feel is most safe?

Various road layouts are generated as computer renderings and made available for evaluation – from the point of view of all road users.

Wear a helmet, get rewarded: The Helmet Selfie

Voi recently launched an in-app feature that uses AI to determine if a customer is wearing a helmet during an e-scooter ride and then rewards them for good behavior. The helmet selfie uses an image-classifier AI that can instantaneously detect if a user is wearing a helmet with 95% accuracy. After scanning an electric scooter before a ride, users are prompted to take a selfie. By wearing a helmet, you not only ride safer, but you also get credits that reduce the cost of driving.

The Core by Bene: how a pandemic reshapes the office.

Working with experts, Bene has created a unique office prototype for working with and around COVID-19. Bene offers a wide variety of office spaces that provide the ideal working environment and toolset.

Holistic best-practice approach to safety at work

This occupational safety analysis, which was developed by Professor Binner and is supported by the MITO tool, is systematically carried out together with a company’s employees based on the specified MITO reference portfolio checklists. The results, which come in digital form, are used in safety training and communication with stakeholders. A large number of MITO reference checklists already exist for multidimensional analysis, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of occupational safety and health management.

Lone worker protection and emergency indoor location with Bosch GuardMe

Bosch has developed a smartphone-based app solution for employees who work on their own. In addition to a GPS tracker, it also includes an innovative indoor location solution. Bosch GuardMe is one of the few app solutions in the field to have received a Geprüfte Sicherheit seal of approval – and it is supported by the certified, 24/7 Bosch control center.

Behavior-based safety (BBS) – safe conduct among first responders

The key to BBS is observing the behaviors of first responders as they go about their work. Feedback is then provided based on these observations with the aim of identifying and reducing accident risks.

DXC Technology and Zensors are developing AI solutions to ensure safety in the workplace

DXC has teamed up with Zensors, a live sensor platform, to create an occupational safety solution that identifies whether staff are adequately protected.

Linde motion detection

Linde’s assistance system can detect people behind a stationary vehicle and prevent rear-end collisions. A warning in the form of an acoustic signal can be given to both forklift drivers and pedestrians.

Safe and flexible: three-section multipurpose ladder

Munk’s three-section multipurpose ladder was developed in accordance with the new version of TRBS 2121 Part 2, meaning that it meets the more stringent requirements of Germany’s occupational safety regulations. The result is a versatile all-rounder that adds extra assurance when it comes to safety at work. And it is equipped with steps throughout all three sections, along with a diverse array of safety features.

Paexo – exoskeletons for improved safety and ergonomics in industrial workplaces

Ottobock’s goal is to help people with physically demanding tasks, such as overhead work, and to create healthier working conditions through the use of “exoskeletons."

An alarm that’s no problem for the deaf

Schaeffler’s alarm system brings together features from several different types of alarms that activate multiple biological senses and do not require complex organizational arrangements, so that deaf employees can also be warned of potential hazards.

DEKRA-tested system created for securing Schwörer bathroom pods as cargo in trucks owned by Schwörer and external parties

The DEKRA-certified load-securing system provides a consistent process for effectively securing the Schwörer bathroom pods produced on site for cargo transportation until they reach their final destination at the construction project.

Hero Trucker during the pandemic

In the spring of 2020, safety packs containing masks, sanitizers, visors, and gloves were distributed to truckers in Poland. The thousands driver received an additional hotel stay. And at www.herotrucker.eu, truckers received information on how to get mental health support during the pandemic.

WandelWerker Podcast – the first German podcast on safety at work

The vision of WandelWerker GmbH’s founders is to motivate as many people as possible to work safely. To make this a reality, the company offers coaching and consulting services as well as a free podcast. https://wandelwerker.com/podcast/

Making occupational safety relevant and easy to understand From theory to practice

Youngwoo Ind. provides safety training courses, which are based on its extensive experience and come in an active and attractive format. An infotainment approach ensures active learning instead of users taking safety training alone in front of a screen.

The virtual giant kitchen

In launching an interactive 3D virtual giant kitchen application for PC, smartphone, and VR headsets, Germany’s Federal Working Group on Child Safety (BAG) has expanded its educational output. The kitchen shrinks users to the size of an 18-month-old child. From this new perspective, they can then identify and minimize various accident risks.

Ekey Uno – the smart retrofit set for your front door, because your fingers are always with you!

Ekey makes it possible to open or lock the front door of your home easily using your finger, without the need for a key, smartphone, code, or card. No more forgotten, misplaced, lost, or stolen keys. Plus, this ensures hassle-free access for your children. In addition, it does not require a retrofit solution for the door you already have installed.

“Not safe at home?” – ad-hoc campaign from Germany’s Stärker als Gewalt (“Stronger Than Violence”) initiative during the first lockdown in 2020.

The risk of domestic violence increased in the periods when the country went into lockdown. By launching the Stärker als Gewalt (“Stronger Than Violence”) initiative, the German Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth sought to take immediate action and make help available. To make this happen, hundreds of thousands of promotional materials were put up in partnership with supermarket chains, using posters, receipts, products, and social media to draw attention to the initiative.

Information campaign to reduce accidents among children in Austria

The Austrian Road Safety Board (KFV) investigates the causes and consequences of accidents and addresses issues around safety in various areas of life. It aims to develop future-proof strategies that will make it as easy as possible to get from A to B while preventing accidents. To raise awareness of risks to our littles ones, the KFV has launched an information campaign on accidents among children. This is intended to raise awareness and promote targeted steps to ensure child safety in Austria.

mykidsSAFE – the step to take before first aid, because accident prevention starts with all of us

80% of all accidents involving children under 2 years of age occur at home. To minimize the risk of children having accidents in these settings, mykidsSAFE offers appropriate workshops to inform parents about potential risks.

“Safe at Home” network – burglary prevention tool.

Germany’s Zuhause sicher (“Safe at Home”) network offers an online tool where anyone interested can read recommendations on appropriate security measures for their home, with different information depending on their living situation.

Welcome home with Nuki: secure home access for people receiving care, relatives, emergency services, or children.

Nuki Home Solutions is a provider of smart, retrofittable home access solutions. The products are simple, make everyday life easier, and reliably help a huge range of customer groups. In addition to the established Nuki Smart Lock – currently available in version 2.0 – and an extensive range of accessories, Nuki is working hard to improve its smart access solutions further for a completely keyless future.

Security for every home

Ring offers a solution for almost every situation in everyday life. Users can customize their Ring system to suit their individual situation and needs, ensuring extra safety at home.

Spexor – the mobile security assistant

In Spexor, Bosch has developed a mobile security assistant that can detect intrusions, measure air quality, issue temperature warnings, and more. High-quality sensors ensure reliable detection of break-ins, control the quality of indoor air, identify noxious fumes, and measure the temperature and humidity. If irregularities are detected, Spexor alerts the user via their smartphone – depending on the user’s preference, this can either be done using a discreet LED light signal or with a loud alarm. Spexor requires a Wi-Fi connection to ensure it can issue these warnings in the event of any irregularities.

CARTELLIGENCE – intelligent, proactive, digital information sharing for greater safety on the road.

CARTELLIGENCE develops software products and services, such as its Cardriver App, Workshop Profiler, and Parts Indicator. In particular, with its AI-based Parts Indicator technology, CARTELLIGENCE can proactively identify and prevent damage to vehicles, ensuring long-term road safety. Parts Indicator stays true to the principle that experience makes for better decision-making.

cogniBIT GmbH

CogniBIT – simulating human cognition and behavior on the road. CogniBIT aims to make interactions between autonomous vehicles and people safe. With this in mind, the Munich-based technology startup is developing software that realistically simulates the people’s behavior on the road (e.g., drivers, cyclists, pedestrians) on the basis of neurocognitive research findings.

Door Control – the innovative assistance system for high-speed doors in material handling contexts

The innovative Door Control assistance system enhances employee safety and reduces the chance of collisions with high-speed doors as well as drastically decreasing the high cost associated with damage. Thanks to the intelligent technology, both people and vehicles are warned in good time before crossing one another, and the speed of the vehicles in front of the roller doors is automatically adjusted.

AI-based virtual sensors improve the general safety of commercial drivers as they go about their work

Darmstadt, Germany-based startup COMPREDICT knows the score when it comes to vehicles. Virtual sensors collect data and predict scenarios such as when brakes need to be replaced or tires need to be changed. In addition, they can detect anomalies in the braking system and identify if a vehicle has been overloaded.

Heylogin – the login solution for businesses

This login management app transforms the process of logging into a website or app into a moment of magic. Instead of typing passwords, a single click is all it takes, and you are protected by two-factor authentication via your smartphone. With team functions, you retain control over which employee has which access permissions. Data is encrypted via your smartphone in compliance with GDPR data protection provisions. Team functions are available via a monthly license subscription, while all other features are available for free.

Safe cycling with DASHBIKE – taking bicycles and infrastructure planning digital

DASHFACTORY has developed the first dashcam for cyclists that is compliant with data protection laws. In addition, a DASHTRACK data platform is available to make cycling safer and more digitally connected via DASHBIKE. DASHFACTORY collects anonymized transportation data, which can then be fed into local platforms for individual towns and cities.

4YT – straightforward solution for fully compliant H&S documentation

In a series of services projects lasting several years and aimed at developing customized solutions, the decision was made to develop a convenient solution for legally compliant documentation in the realm of occupational health and safety. This solution would need to be easy to adopt with regard to IT fundamentals, cost, and software ergonomics.

Online training to become a safety officer – without the need to make an appointment, stress-free, and government-approved

ExpertMe offers companies a time- and location-flexible solution for training safety officers, promoting occupational health and safety at these businesses by reducing bureaucratic obstacles when it comes to organizing and implementing training programs.

HeyReflect – safe gear

True to its mission of keeping people safe on the road, heyReflect has developed high-visibility clothing for personal use. Conventional reflective vests are only effective from about 140 meters away – and that is when they are illuminated by car headlights. HeyReflect’s products are fitted with LEDs that actively illuminate the clothing so that road users can be seen three times earlier than would otherwise be the case.

Spear-phishing engine: realistic attack simulation

Cyberattacks cost German companies around €110 billion each year. Especially since Emotet, targeted spear-phishing emails have become established themselves as a successful technique for cybercriminals. But long-term security will not appear by magic. IT-Seal provides long-lasting and effective training to help employees deal with social engineering attacks, strengthening the “human firewall” and security culture in businesses. In this process, IT-Seal simulates the working methods of real cybercriminals with the help of the patented spear-phishing engine, using an OSINT analysis.

When mistakes are not an option: the AI validation platform for safe innovation through transparent testing

Lakera is working on one of the greatest challenges of our time: ensuring that AI is transparent, secure, and trustworthy. To this end, Lakera AI is building a validation platform that tests AI systems in their entirety – and allows all stakeholders to assess whether the AI is sufficiently safe and secure for real-world use and whether it meets any certification requirements.

Reflective backpacks and fanny packs for safe city living

The aim of this Hamburg-based company is to make pedestrians’ and cyclists’ busy everyday lives safer, making full use of the backpack’s large surface area. The surface reflects the light back to its source and ensures that road users are easier to see.

Faster but safer

Trucksters uses AI to reduce freight transit times by up to 50% on the road, enabling it to offer similar transit times as air freight at road transportation prices.