Engineering news
Wearables and connected machines already monitor and detect potential safety issues at highly connected companies, said Brian Massey from IBM. However, speaking at a panel discussion at the IoT Solutions World Congress in Barcelona, he forecast a step forward which could potentially save many lives in engineering, manufacturing and construction.
“We are going to see an evolution from… reactive to proactive,” he said. “To do that, you have to start capturing tonnes of data and you have to start utilising the data.”
Companies have integrated proximity sensors, GPS tags, augmented reality headsets, digital thermometers and many other smart devices into everyday work in some factories, checking for hazards and notifying workers. Massey said businesses now need to use machine learning to sift through the data, checking for patterns and signs of potential failures and accidents. The results can then be fed into new devices, he said, preventing future injuries.
As well as the huge number of deaths worldwide every year, the World Economic Forum said 313m accidents cause extended absences from work. “So much emotional damage can be done to individuals,” said Colin l’Anson from Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Research and development head Laura Tordera from engineering multinational Ferrovial-Agroman told Professional Engineering the goal is for IoT devices and analytics to completely stop worker injuries, although she admitted many challenges remain in diverse working cultures around the world. Improved safety from big data and smart devices will also increase industry efficiency, she added.
Our reporter Joseph Flaig is at Barcelona Industry Week, including the IoT Solutions World Congress. To contact him about stories, email joseph.flaig@caspianmedia.com.