Eurovia Rolls Out UK’s First AI Emergency Braking Smart Rollers
Eurovia Surfacing has just drawn a firm line in the tarmac when it comes to jobsite safety. In a landmark move, the company has become the first contractor in the UK, and Europe, to roll out BOMAG 174 tandem rollers enhanced with AI-powered human detection and automatic emergency braking.
Launched during Eurovia’s International Safety Week on a prominent project in Hertfordshire, this new fleet of intelligent rollers isn’t just another flashy tech debut. It’s a sharp pivot toward a more responsive, intuitive, and ultimately safer future for surfacing operations across the construction and highways sectors.
The Brains Behind the Brawn
At the heart of this technological leap is a smart partnership between BOMAG and Safety Shield. The rollers are fitted with dual systems: BOMAG’s Emergency Brake Assist and Safety Shield’s advanced AI human detection. Together, they offer a layered approach to safety that covers both proactive intervention and real-time alerts.
“We believe this is the future of plant safety,” said Paul Kidd, Development Director at Eurovia. “These intelligent rollers are not only innovative, they’re essential.”
How the Safety Shield System Works
Rather than leaving safety to chance, Safety Shield’s technology uses a suite of sensors mounted around the machine to create two safety zones:
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5-metre Caution Zone: Movement here triggers alerts but does not halt the machine.
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2-metre Critical Zone: Entry by a person or object causes instant alerts and activates visual cues.
When someone steps into these zones, both the driver and those nearby are alerted through audible warnings and flashing lights. A particularly innovative touch is the red “halo” light cast on the ground, acting as a visual barrier—especially helpful during night works when visibility and focus can waver.
BOMAG’s Emergency Brake Assist System
While the Safety Shield acts as the eyes and ears, BOMAG’s Emergency Brake Assist is the muscle. The system identifies hazards in real time, even in low visibility conditions. If someone remains within the roller’s danger zone or an object obstructs its path, the roller slows to a stop. Once the area is cleared, it resumes its pre-set speed.
Importantly, the system only reacts to objects or people in the roller drum’s direction of travel—meaning it avoids unnecessary stoppages or false alarms.
Real Feedback From the Frontline
This technology isn’t just a top-down directive. Site teams were involved from the get-go, contributing valuable on-the-ground insights. The reception? Overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s the perfect machine, something we should have on every site,” said Justin Willis, Site Foreman at Eurovia.
That kind of endorsement speaks volumes. It’s one thing to trial a new gadget in a lab; it’s another to have boots-on-the-ground crews advocating for its widespread adoption.
A Fleet-Wide Commitment to Safety
Eurovia isn’t stopping at a single project. The company has pledged to equip all large rollers across its UK fleet with both Safety Shield AI and BOMAG’s Emergency Brake Assist.
“As an industry, we must lead by example,” Paul Kidd added. “Embracing AI detection and automated braking systems isn’t just progressive, it’s the right thing to do.”
With over 3,500 surfacing operations delivered annually, that’s a lot of ground covered—both literally and in terms of setting new industry benchmarks.
Eurovia Surfacing
Part of the global VINCI Group, Eurovia Surfacing is no stranger to innovation. The company covers a wide spectrum of services, from full-scale road resurfacing projects to bitumen and asphalt production.
With operations spread across the UK, including multiple asphalt plants in the South East, Eurovia plays a critical role in maintaining and upgrading the country’s transport infrastructure. Now, it’s extending that influence by championing workplace safety with cutting-edge tech.
AI in Construction Safety
This move by Eurovia aligns with a broader shift in the industry. As construction becomes more digital, AI and automation are increasingly being used not just to speed up workflows or cut costs, but to save lives.
The combination of predictive AI, real-time sensor feedback, and automatic braking could well become the gold standard. With the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) putting more pressure on contractors to reduce risk, especially in plant-heavy environments, the industry is ripe for a change.
What This Means for Industry Stakeholders
For contractors, the ROI extends beyond compliance and reputation. AI-enabled safety solutions reduce downtime, prevent incidents, and can even bring insurance premiums down. For investors, it’s a signal that a company is future-ready. For policymakers, it’s proof that regulatory nudges toward tech adoption are having a tangible impact.
This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan gimmick. It’s a genuine shift in how surfacing schemes are delivered—with safety at the wheel.
Setting a Precedent for a Safer Tomorrow
As the construction world hurtles towards greater automation and smarter tech, Eurovia’s move feels less like a bold leap and more like the first step in a much bigger transformation.
With intelligent rollers paving the way, quite literally, the bar has been raised for safety expectations across the board.
