DEVELON, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, has announced that it has successfully field-demonstrated the new DX230LC-9 23-tonne crawler excavator and its smart safety technologies, including the groundbreaking E-STOP system, at a test site in Compiègne, France.
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This demonstration was organized by OPPBTP (the French professional association for the improvement of health and safety in construction and civil engineering) and took place on the construction site of the Seine–Nord Europe Canal project, carried out by Bouygues, a leading global construction company. OPPBTP is composed of health and safety experts from the sector who provide daily support to professionals and stakeholders in the construction industry. The goal is to develop measures that prevent occupational accidents and illnesses, thus improving the health and safety of workers.
Stéphane Dieu, Product Manager for Develon excavators in Europe, said:
"It was a great pleasure to accept OPPBTP's invitation, which gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our innovative technology that reduces the risk of accidents on earthmoving sites. Many thanks to Sébastien Marie of OPPBTP and also to Société du Canal Seine-Nord Europe (SCSNE) for the opportunity to test this innovation on the Canal Seine Nord construction site, and to Bouygues Travaux Publics for conducting the tests and their positive feedback on the E-STOP system."
In addition to Bouygues, representatives from four other major international construction companies – including Eiffage – were also present at the event, as were representatives from the government, the Seine Nord Europe Canal Company and the FNTP (Fédération Nationale des Travaux Publics), the French national federation for construction and civil engineering.
Develon's machine was used to demonstrate both its core performance and advanced smart safety features, including E-STOP: the first system from a crawler excavator manufacturer that stops the machine's movement if a person is detected within 4 meters.
Stéphane Dieu continued: “The new Develon DX230LC-9 excavator used during the demonstration was equipped with a range of smart safety technologies, including collision warnings and an around-view monitor. Among these features, the E-STOP system—similar to emergency braking systems in cars—attracted the most attention from operators and attendees. Develon plans to further develop the E-STOP system and introduce it in Europe starting in January next year.”
The OPPBTP was founded in 1947 to address the high accident rate in the construction sector. Since 2022, the organization has been implementing the joint industry project "Stop Collision," which aims to prevent accidents between machinery and pedestrians. The recent demonstration with Develon took place as part of this project.
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Develon's new generation -9 series was first presented at Bauma 2025 and represents the latest phase in a proud heritage at Develon that stretches back five generations of excavators, starting with the Solar series in the 1980s.
With the -9 Series, Develon aims to set a new standard for future construction equipment products and technologies. Like all models in the -9 Series, the DX230LC-9 achieves this by introducing ten groundbreaking technologies and setting new standards in productivity, safety, ease of use, and sustainability. The -9 Series not only underscores Develon's forward-looking vision but also its commitment to innovation and excellence in the construction equipment industry.
The Smart All-Around Viewing Monitor (SAVM) is an AI-based object detection technology that effectively recognizes both moving and stationary persons near the machine. Upon detection, the system immediately alerts the operator via visual and audible signals on the monitor, increasing their awareness of their surroundings. The innovative E-STOP and Virtual Wall functions prevent accidents that operators are unaware of. The area around the machine is clearly divided into zones: a yellow warning zone (Zone 2) and a red danger zone (Zone 1).
The SAVM and E-STOP systems use six cameras and three radars, operating in three phases with a detection range of 6 meters and 330°. The system is active only for people and can distinguish between people and objects:
1. Visual detection of persons by the HD cameras
2. Warning and speed reduction from 6 meters
3. Stopping the machine from 4 meters (turning and reversing)
The E-STOP system is an essential safety feature designed to control or stop machine movement in hazardous areas, ensuring operator safety. The Virtual Wall function enhances safety by restricting machine movement to predefined areas where there is a greater risk of collision.
More information about Develon: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/
Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EZGCh_JbPE
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