[Article] Visiting a Leading Smart Safety Company: Kyungwoo Systech
Electronic Solutions for Better EfficiencySmart Safety Systems that Protect the WorkplaceVisiting a Leading Smart Safety Company: Kyungwoo Systech “Beep, beep, beep.” “Danger, danger.”As a forklift approached a pedestrian, warning sounds went off.The voice alert came from the forklift, and the beeping came from the pedestrian’s helmet. Both were equipped with tags that communicated with each other to measure the distance between them and triggered alerts when they got too close.This is how Kyungwoo Systech’s collision avoidance system, IPAS (Intelligent Proximity Alert System), works.Since its founding in 1999, Kyungwoo Systech has been developing and supplying electronic systems for construction equipment and industrial vehicles.They were the first in Korea to develop digital clusters and smart key systems for industrial vehicles, providing stable and reliable technology to industrial sites.In 2017, the company expanded into the industrial safety field by launching its safety solutions brand KIGIS® Safety Technology. After improving efficiency in industry through electronic systems, they decided to focus on safety at worksites. Military Technology Used for SafetyThe main products under the KIGIS® brand are the IPAS and IVIEW+ systems.IPAS is an intelligent proximity alert system that uses UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology. Originally developed for military use, UWB is now commonly found in smartphones and other devices.UWB uses a wide frequency band and transmits signals in short bursts, allowing it to measure distance by calculating the time it takes for the signal to travel. It’s resistant to interference and can accurately measure distances within centimeters even indoors.CEO Jang Yong Jun proudly said, “IPAS was the first in the world to apply UWB to a proximity alert system.” Although competitors have launched similar products, Kyungwoo Systech stayed ahead with the upgraded IPAS 2.0, which includes a “shaping” function that allows the alert zone to change depending on the environment, providing smarter alerts.IVIEW+ is a camera-based AI vision recognition system. Cameras mounted on vehicles detect people nearby in real-time and alert the driver.By training the AI with real field footage, the system minimizes false positives and missed detections. According to the company, this solution is especially useful in situations where attaching tags is difficult.Other KIGIS® solutions include:n Nexus CAM: AI and platform-based monitoring system for industrial sitesn Fire DP: Detects fires early and connects with networks to help prevent spreadn IDMS (Intelligent Driver Monitoring System): Analyzes driver and vehicle data to detect potential accident risksKyungwoo Systech has earned recognition for its technological capabilities by supplying electronic systems to top companies in Korea and abroad.Over 100 employees handle planning, design, R&D, production, and quality control in-house, allowing them to respond quickly to market demands, something that sets them apart from competitors.Their safety solutions are used across many industries like construction, automotive, and logistics. One major automaker in Korea applied IPAS to all of its forklifts and continues installing it in newly added ones, proving the product’s effectiveness.Kyungwoo Systech has also received several awards.For example, IVIEW+ earned official disaster safety certification from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. In 2023, the company received a commendation from the Minister for its contribution to advancing the safety industry.The outlook for smart safety equipment is bright, especially in Korea, where the enforcement of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act has strengthened legal responsibilities for safety, increasing demand. Kyungwoo Systech’s solutions match well with Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency’s (KOSHA) goals to prevent accidents involving moving hazards like forklifts.As a result, their products were selected for KOSHA’s Smart Safety Equipment Support Program in 2025. CEO Jang said, “Our goal is not just to detect dangers in real time, but to fundamentally improve the worksite environment.” They are currently developing new solutions to collect and analyze data, assess safety comprehensively, and predict accidents in advance.Jang added, “We’ll lead the safety solution market through continuous R&D and contribute to building safer environments for everyone.” Clark Forklifts — Reliable and Now SaferThe phrase “the name in forklifts” best describes Clark.In 1917, Clark developed the first cargo forklift, revolutionizing logistics. Over the past century, they've supplied more than 1 million forklifts worldwide, setting the standard in the industry.Clark forklifts are known for their durability and smooth handling.Their wide variety of models and easy-to-repair components make them highly customer-friendly. Thanks to these features, Clark forklifts are also included in KOSHA’s government support program.In 2019, Clark began developing a safety braking system for forklifts at the request of a logistics center. Around the same time, Kyungwoo Systech had completed IVIEW+.By integrating IVIEW+’s camera-based AI recognition technology, Clark developed an algorithm allowing vehicles to receive data and control their own speed based on the distance to nearby people.This system adjusts forklift speed in three levels based on how close the AI detects a person is, and can even stop the vehicle if necessary. The goal is to allow forklifts to actively prevent collisions.Clark’s proactive approach to safety is especially valuable in emergency situations.In warehouses with goods stacked high, workers may suddenly appear between racks, making it hard for drivers to react quickly.But when the forklift controls its own speed, accidents can be avoided.Their slogan, “Built to Last,” represents their promise of durable quality and trust.To last long, safety is key. And Clark continues building forklifts that protect people and make industrial sites safer. Support for Smart Safety EquipmentAs part of its efforts to create safer workplaces, KOSHA is running the Smart Safety Equipment Support Program. This program provides financial support to small businesses that want to adopt new safety technologies like AI, robotics, ICT, or IoT. The government provides up to 30 million KRW, covering up to 80% of the selected amount.Eligible businesses include:Workplaces with fewer than 50 regular employees (excluding construction sites, though construction HQs can apply)Small businesses defined by the Small and Medium Business ActPartner companies that have signed agreements to improve dual labor market structuresInterested companies can apply through KOSHA’s official “Safe Workplace Creation Support Program” website: http://clean.kosha.or.krWritten by Hong Nanhee / Photos by Park HyuncheolSource: Monthly Safety & Health Magazine by Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency - June Edition
2025-06-12
