Tended Protect, combines a smartphone-connected device with advanced sensor technology and AI, to maximise safety in the workforce.
The wearable device could change safety in service-based manufacturing, where it might be more common for lone engineers to carry out routine maintenance offsite.
The product is the world’s first artificially intelligent personal safety device and has also just launched its first batch of pre-orders.
60,000 non-fatal injuries occur to workers every year in the manufacturing sector, according to Labour Force Survey (LFS). But if technology like this was installed, it could potentially reduce and minimise the impact of some of these incidents in service-based manufacturing, as engineers may need to journey offsite to do routine maintenance on their products.
The Manufacturer spoke to CEO of Tended Project, Leo Scott Smith to learn more about the project.
TM: How does the Tended Protect utilise AI?
Leo Scott Smith: When someone wearing the Tended Protect moves or engages in an activity, data is gathered over the course of the movement, including their acceleration, inertia and orientation.
AI is then utilised to allow the Tended Protect to find and learn patterns found in the data, and then automatically detect any anomalous movements or patterns.
How is it innovative?
The Tended Protect comprises of two key innovations. The first is a unique combination of sensor hardware, which enables its second innovation: proprietary machine learning algorithms, used for detecting falls.
The use of multiple IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensors allows for an expanded set of capabilities over other wearable devices.
With this extra feature, the Tended Protect is able to perform advanced fall detection, while also offering other functionality typical of wearable devices, such as fitness tracking and SOS call function.
Do you think it could make factories ‘smarter’ and why?
Alongside our wearable devices, we’re also in the process of developing a Bluetooth mesh system specifically designed for factories, warehouses and large sites.
The system will give employers access to a variety of different tools that have been specially designed to help improve safety, security and efficiency.
This data-heavy solution is already confirmed for proof of concept pilots with some of the world’s largest manufacturing companies.
Case study: Specially designed suit improves employees health
Manufacturing employees at Ford Valencia have been wearing a special suit with numerous sensors that track movement and help to promote good posture.
Created by Ford and the Instituto Biomecánica de Valencia, the project has involved 70 employees in 21 work areas across the company.
The suit consists of 15 tiny movement tracking light sensors that are connected to a wireless detection unit. The system tracks how the person moves at work, highlighting head, neck, shoulder and limb movements.
Movement is recorded by four specialised motion-tracking cameras that capture a 3D skeletal character animation of the user.
Ergonomic specialists then use the data gathered to help employees align their posture correctly.
Specific measurements captured by the system, for example an employee’s height or limb length, are then used to design workstations, to better fit employees.
