Aerial work platform with pothole and/or obstacle detection and avoidance system

摘要

The aerial work platform including a pothole and/or obstacle avoidance system according to the present invention includes a non-contact distance measuring device (210 or 220) mounted to an end of the aerial work platform chassis (230). The non-contact distance measuring device (210 or 220) measures a distance to the ground along a predetermined angle, and generates a first signal based on the measured distance. In response to the output of the non-contact distance measuring device (210 or 220), a motor controller (240) and/or brake controller (270) of the aerial work platform control operation of a motor (250) and/or brakes (265). respectively, to assist an operator of the aerial work platform in avoiding potholes and/or obstacles.