Until a few years ago, it was unthinkable that a person could wear a device on the body to monitor their health, for example. Or that an IoT-enabled device could predict machine failures. However, these things have become part of everyday life, and no one bats an eye. Nowadays, IoT devices are used in many industries to improve manufacturing safety and efficiency. The use of imagery and smart devices has allowed manufacturers to reduce the most disruptive business problems.
Some manufacturers even use Internet of Things sensors to pinpoint the cause of a machine’s failure. These sensors can also help with predictive maintenance by estimating when a machine will need to be serviced.
This helps the business to lower costs and easily improve its operations by spreading out regularly scheduled maintenance.
In addition, IoT devices can also detect all kinds of potential danger in the workplace with cameras connected to IoT imagery software. This can increase manufacturing safety and productivity as well as product quality. Additionally, employees can strap wearables onto their bodies to help reduce the chance of injury and increase safety. In turn, this will lower the number of workers’ compensation claims.
Water damage prevention technology may also be used to monitor flow, temperature, and humidity. This can help reduce the likelihood of business interruptions and property damage from water-related events.
Industrial IoT Imagery for Manufacturing Safety
An assortment of factories already have cameras at work. IoT imagery software connects with those existing cameras. It uses computer vision technology to identify safety hazards and can trigger real time alerts to highlight areas that promote safer work environments.
Cameras equipped with artificial intelligence software may also improve safety protocols, such as wearing safety glasses and gloves, adhering by speed limits and forklift zones. They can also make sure that you have proper cleaning to avoid slip and fall accidents. In addition, imagery can also help identify incidents, including falls and slips.
Wearable Technology is the Future of Smart Manufacturing
Wearable technology, such as fitness trackers, has become a common way for people to monitor their own health and to help them achieve their wellness goals, as well as manufacturing safety. It has become a trend in the manufacturing industry to use wearable technology for:
- Improving ergonomics.
- Tracking employee locations during crises.
- Detecting falls.
Exceptional examples include vests that monitor the environment and noise levels, and belts that track movement at work.
Moreover, gloves that capture data about how workers use their hands on the job can easily help improve worker safety. An armband that tracks how often a worker pushes or pulls repetitively to do their work can lower the risk of job-related injuries. To monitor ergonomics, or detect falls, workers can strap ensors around their chest or any other part of the body.
The following are but a few advantages of using IoT sensors to improve manufacturing safety:
- The use of connected devices is an opportunity to lower insurance losses. In addition, it can also increase awareness of safety issues in manufacturing workplaces.
- Wearable devices could provide valuable insight into employees’ problematic behaviors, particularly around reaching, twisting, and bending.
It is clear that sometimes a simple and small change can result in big safety improvements for employees.
