The Altendorf Hand Guard is an AI- and camera-based safety assistance system for sliding table saws. The system detects hands in the monitored work area and triggers a protective response even before contact with the saw blade occurs.

The Hand Guard operates using a dual-camera optical system and artificial intelligence. The cameras monitor the area around the saw blade, synchronize with each other, and are continuously monitored. The system recognizes different hand shapes as well as suitable gloves and can be used with any material—including wood, plastics, and aluminum. If a critical situation is detected, the saw blade is lowered and slowed down in a controlled manner. 

Different safety approaches on sliding table saws are based on various operating principles. While capacitive systems only react when the distance to the saw blade is small, optical systems such as Hand Guard monitor a significantly larger work area and can therefore provide support earlier, the company says.

Key enhancements to the Hand Guard include an optimized infeed area for more comfortable handling, as well as the option to temporarily disable the safety function for clearly defined applications. A gentle shutdown process protects system components and extends service life. An expanded AI database reduces unintentional activations – a key factor for everyday acceptance. In addition, the so-called Hand Guarding Zone is now clearly defined and visually marked for operators through precise laser identification.