Weighbridges, also known as truck scales or weigh stations, have been a crucial component in the transportation and logistics sector for many years. They furnish precise weight measurements and ensure compliance with regulations for vehicles and their loads. As technology progresses and the needs of the industry change, the future of weighbridges is also adapting. Let’s take a look at the future of weighbridges in this article. Weighbridges are a relatively new industry that is predicted to grow considerably in the next few years, and this article discusses the likely trends and future predictions. 

Predictions and Trends:

To begin with, weighbridges are likely to become more integrated with myriads of advanced technologies. Vehicles and their cargo can be tracked and monitored in real time when weighbridges are integrated with GPS and RFID technology. 

For decades, weighbridges have been an important aspect of the transportation and logistics industry. They provide precise weight measurements and ensure compliance with regulations for vehicles and their cargo. As technology advances, the future of weighbridges is evolving to keep pace with changing industry needs. Combining GPS and RFID asset tracking technologies offers more efficient, accurate, and compliant transportation and logistics, rather than relying on one technology alone. 

This combination enables large-scale applications while conserving power, compared to solely relying on GPS, which is more power-hungry but less location-restrictive, or RFID, which is more power-saving but more limited in location.

Mobile and portable weighbridges are another trend that is likely to become more prevalent in the future. It is possible to use portable weighbridges at different locations and for a variety of vehicles, such as trains and boats. Traditional weighbridges may not be available in remote areas or disaster zones, making portable weighbridges a viable option.

Advancement in Technologies:

In recent years, significant advancements have been made in weighbridge technology. The use of load cells for weight measurement is one of the greatest advances in electronic weighing systems. Data can easily be collected and analysed through the use of computer software with this type of electronic system.

To produce a signal, a load cell measures the pressure applied by the weight of an object. For example, a load cell is used in a grocery store to measure the weight of a product and then convert it into a price that is displayed on the scale. Analog signals are then converted to digital signals by a weighing indicator.

Wireless communication technology has also advanced the weighbridge system by enabling data to be transmitted and monitored in real-time. Weighing operations can be more efficient and accurate as a result.

The integration of automation and AI is becoming more common in weighbridge systems. Automation can streamline various processes, such as data analysis, ticket printing, and vehicle weighing, while AI can identify errors and discrepancies based on vehicle characteristics. Remote monitoring and control capabilities are also increasingly available, allowing for real-time data analysis and weighing from any location. The user-friendliness of these systems is also improving, with user-friendly interfaces like mobile apps, web-based interfaces, and touch-screen displays being implemented.

Automation:

Automation is set to become more prevalent in the future. Weighbridge automation offers benefits such as better accuracy and consistency, increased safety, and heightened cost savings. Weighing processes can be automated through the use of sensors, cameras, and software. 

Here are some of the ways automation will be helpful to the weighbridge system:

Traffic lights at entry: A traffic light indicates to the driver whether to wait (red) or enter the weighbridge (green). Automated processes ensure that the next vehicle can enter the minute the previous one is out of the way, thus reducing congestion and delays.

Sensors for aligning: The weighbridge is equipped with sensors on both sides to detect if the vehicle has stopped in the right spot, and a separate lighting system signals the driver to halt. This is a crucial step in the proper positioning of the vehicle.

Identifying number plates: Vehicles are photographed from both ends of the weighbridge with ANPR cameras. The vehicle in question is identified using number plate recognition software and connected to your database, providing further security for the website. ANPR cameras are reported to capture around 98% of vehicles moving within the zone.

In addition to number plate recognition software, you can also use a barcode system to scan vehicle and weight information directly from the front windscreen.

Use of weighbridge 

Organizations and individuals alike heavily rely on weighing systems across various industries, as they provide crucial information to improve yields, meet regulations, enhance safety, and increase efficiency. The weighing technology is a crucial part of logistics, transportation, and supply chains and plays a key role in achieving organizational goals and competitiveness. 

The need for innovation in weighing equipment remains high, as customers demand products that are cost-effective, functional, high-quality, safe, durable, reliable, and perform well. Accurate weighing is imperative, from laboratory balances to shipping container scales.

Thus, weighbridges are likely to become more integrated with technology, more mobile, automated, and eco-friendly in the future. In the transportation and logistics industry, these trends will improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance, as well as save businesses money and reduce their environmental impact. Businesses should stay abreast of new technology and industry trends to keep up with them and incorporate them into their operations.

Why choose Trakblaze as your trusted portable weighbridge solution? 

With over 350 weighing scales installed worldwide across mining, road, and rail applications, Trakblaze Pty Ltd has the most comprehensive weighing equipment of any company worldwide. Their product range includes:

• Truck Scales
• Weighbridges
• Mobile Train Weighers
• Balancing Systems
• Monitoring Systems
• Volume Scanners

Trakblaze has been a provider of scales for the mining, rail, road, and aviation industries for over 90 years, renowned for its strong, precise, and dependable systems. Over almost nine decades, Trakblaze has greatly expanded, with manufacturing facilities and representatives situated globally in key locations. Get in touch with us if you need more information or wish to utilize Trakblaze’s reliable and affordable services.