Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
Sinoboom has launched its Collision Avoidance Radar System (CARS) for scissor lifts and mast lifts. The system uses multiple sensors mounted on the platform rail to detect overhead obstacles and provide staged warnings and movement restrictions.
CARS combines an ultrasonic sensor with ±20-degree wide coverage and a LiDAR sensor that provides full-range detection from zero to three meters. Sinoboom says the dual-sensor configuration reduces short-range measurement errors by 50%.
The system uses two alarm stages. The first activates when an obstacle is detected between one and two meters overhead. A flashing indicator and buzzer on the CARS unit are activated, along with the scissor lift’s integral alarm. On newer control systems, lifting and driving operations are also automatically slowed during this stage.
When an obstacle is detected less than one meter overhead, the system enters the second alarm stage. Both lifting and driving movements are automatically restricted, while audible and visual alarms remain active on the CARS unit and scissor lift.
The CARS system is compatible with older and newer Sinoboom scissor lift control systems. Sinoboom said operating experiences vary between the two systems, but both dynamically detect hazards and protect against impact.
The system includes one-button calibration that allows the primary alarm distance to be adjusted according to operator height. The primary alarm can be set between 0.6 and 2.5 meters (1.97 and 8.20 feet), while the secondary alarm automatically extends the one-meter buffer zone.
CARS also includes an emergency override mode. A button on the control unit can be used to temporarily continue operations, with protection restored when the button is released.
Sinoboom said the system is designed to avoid the clearance issues associated with physical protection systems and can be adjusted for different operators, including in shift-work situations.
CARS for scissor lifts follows Sinoboom’s launch of CARS for boom lifts in 2025.
Sep 23, 2026
