Chirag Yadav

Chirag Yadav

April 6, 2023 8 minutes to read

The Future of Wearable Technology in Construction: A Comprehensive Guide

The Future of Wearable Technology in Construction: A Comprehensive Guide

Imagine being able to track the location of construction workers in dangerous areas, or monitor their physiological status to prevent accidents and injuries. The benefits of wearable technology in construction are numerous. These high-tech devices can monitor the health and safety of employees, alerting them to potential hazards or unsafe conditions in the workplace. Not just safety, the devices can also help track employee performance, providing valuable information for managers and supervisors to analyze and improve.  

In this blog, we will delve deeper into the world of wearable technology in construction industry and explore its benefits, as well as how it can be used to improve safety, productivity, and efficiency on job sites. So sit back, relax, and join us on this interactive journey of discovery.

What Exactly Do You Mean By Wearable Technology?

Wearable technology is defined as any electronic device that is worn on the body, including smart watches, fitness trackers, and augmented reality glasses. Wearable devices have the potential to transform the construction industry by providing workers with real-time information about their surroundings and enabling them to take prompt actions to improve their safety and productivity.

Why Is the Construction Industry Using Wearable Technology?

Imagine an architect arriving on site, wearing a sleek, futuristic smart helmet. As they work, the helmets track their movements and monitor ventilation, temperature, and other environmental factors. If there is a sudden change in temperature or air quality, the helmet immediately alerts the worker, allowing time to take necessary precautions. Or imagine a worker wearing a bionic suit, allowing them to lift and move heavy objects with ease. Equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence, the garment adjusts to the worker’s movements and responds, improving their mechanics and reducing the risk of injury.

In addition to practical benefits, wearable technology in construction industry can also have a significant emotional impact on employees. By providing a sense of security and control, these devices can boost trust and morale, leading to greater job satisfaction and a better working environment. Wearable technology can help bridge communication gaps between employees and managers, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. This creates a sense of teamwork and cooperation, which can be incredibly satisfying and rewarding for everyone involved. Succinctly put, wearable technology is not only a tool for improving safety and productivity in construction but also has the potential to improve overall employee well-being and satisfaction. By embracing and incorporating the latest technology into the construction industry, we can provide a safe, efficient, and satisfying work environment for everyone involved.

Benefits of Wearable Technology in Construction Industry

Enhancing Safety on Site

Construction sites can be dangerous places, contributing to alarming numbers of occupational injuries and fatalities worldwide. However, wearable technology has proven to be a game changer in promoting safety in such high-risk work environments, as well as controlling facility & Building maintenance checklist. With the availability of new wearables, the benefits are undeniable. For example, the low-cost smartwatch – which is basic for most – can now play an important role in protecting the welfare of employees. By monitoring their activity levels, these state-of-the-art devices closely monitor each employee, sending real-time information to on-site security managers. The results? A safe and secure work environment for all.

Improving Workplace Efficiency

Wearable technology has revolutionized work efficiency, allowing employees to perform tasks with ease and accuracy. Take exoskeletons, for example – these superhero-inspired wearables not only increase strength and power but also monitor posture and movement to prevent workplace injuries. And that’s not all. Wearables also streamline data collection, eliminating time-consuming manual headcount and security checks, while reducing error. With the ability to integrate with other technology solutions such as construction design apps, wearables hold the key to unlocking a new era of work on construction sites.

Accurate Communication

Connectivity is key in construction sites, and wearable technology takes it to a whole new level. From smart hard hats that give managers real-time updates, to wearables that share images, video, and even vibration, communication has never been easier. Using wearable devices, employees can transmit important information instantly, keeping everyone informed and safe. Whether it’s alerting employees to potential hazards through vibrating protective clothing or sharing other vital information without the need for aural communication, wearables are the ultimate communication tool for noisy and dangerous workplaces great in it.

Attracting Young Workers

The construction industry is facing a formidable challenge – an aging workforce coupled with a shortage of emerging talent. But wearable technology for construction workers can be the solution. Younger generations demand the latest gadgets at work, and wearables fit the bill perfectly. From smartphones to AI and blockchain, these tech-savvy professionals are comfortable with sophisticated tools. Construction safety wearables not only attract new talent, but also improve workplace satisfaction through increased safety and productivity. And with a safe and efficient work environment, turnover is bound to decrease. So, if the construction industry wants to attract the brightest and best, it’s time to embrace construction safety wearables.

Moving Resource Management Ahead

Wearable construction technology is a construction company’s secret weapon when it comes to maximizing employee capabilities. These sophisticated devices can monitor employee activity, detecting any idleness or safety concerns. But it doesn’t stop. Wearables also allow companies to analyze each employee’s strengths and weaknesses, simplifying planning and improving project timelines. And with immediate communication, wearables eliminate the risk of delay by letting suppliers know the company’s needs without notice. With controls, construction companies can improve the efficiency of their employees and keep projects running smoothly.

Which Wearable Devices Are Most Commonly Used in Construction Sector?

Wearable construction technology is changing the industry in ways that were previously unimaginable. These devices can be divided into three categories: visual, tactile, and sensory:

Visual Wearables

Visual Wearables such as smart helmets and smart glasses provide information to construction workers real-time visualization of the environment. Images can be reproduced from the factory to remote viewers, enabling faster decision-making and reducing error. This technology enables greater collaboration in construction, where workers and managers can work together to achieve a common goal.

Tactile Wearables

Tactile Wearables such as exoskeletons and bionic suits increase the wearer’s strength and endurance, reducing the risk of fractures. These devices also help boost employee morale by making their jobs easier and less physically demanding. The exoskeleton could even pave the way for more robots on construction sites, changing the industry even more.

Sensing Wearables

Sensing Wearables are devices that can analyze data from a construction site to identify wearable technology in construction industry potential hazards. These devices can sense location, potential impact, and other vital signals, providing critical information to project teams that can then take action. They come in a variety of forms, including wraps, wristbands, badges, biosensors, and more. This technology helps to quickly gather and analyze data from the construction site, which is essential to preventing accidents and improving overall safety.

Wearable Construction Technology Use Cases

The construction industry is constantly evolving, and one of the latest trends is the use of wearable technology. In the construction industry, wearable technology can be used to improve safety and health, increase productivity, and reduce costs.

Use Case#1: Wearable Construction Technology for Worker Safety and Health

Safety is a top priority in the construction industry. Wearable technology can help ensure the safety of construction workers by providing them with real-time information about their environment. Some examples of wearable technology for worker safety and health include smart safety vests, augmented reality safety glasses, worker safety tracking devices, and wearable health monitoring.

Smart safety vests are equipped with sensors that can detect the worker’s location, motion, and body temperature. The data collected by the sensors can be used to monitor the worker’s physical condition and detect any potential safety hazards. For example, if a worker falls, the smart safety vest can detect the fall and automatically send an alert to the site supervisor.

Use Case#2: Wearable Construction Technology for Increasing Workers Productivity

Wearable technology can also be used to increase productivity on construction sites. Specifically, wearable technologies like AR smart glasses can be seamlessly Integrated with work instructions and remote assistance software to provide real-time access to information and guidance to frontline workers.  Wearables can also reduce the need for manual documentation and streamline communication between workers, resulting in faster problem-solving and decision-making. Additionally, remote assistance capabilities can help workers receive guidance from experts in real-time, improving their confidence and reducing errors.

Future of Wearable Technology in Construction

The use of wearable technology in the construction industry is still in its early stages, but there is a lot of potential for future developments. Wearable technology is just the beginning of the construction industry’s technological transformation driven by AR-led solutions. The future promises drone research, AI systems, 3D printing, 5G networks, and blockchain contracts. But wearables are the easiest way to start. This guide has shown you how wearables can improve safety and productivity in your workplace.

FAQs

Wearable technology can improve productivity in the construction industry by providing real-time data and feedback to workers. For example, wearable devices such as smart helmets or safety vests can monitor workers' biometric data, detect potential hazards, and send alerts to the worker or supervisor. This helps ensure worker safety and prevent accidents, which can ultimately improve productivity by reducing downtime and delays.

Yes, wearable technology can be customized to fit the specific requirements of a construction project. Depending on the needs of the project, different types of sensors, software, and hardware can be integrated into wearable devices to capture and analyse data related to specific tasks or operations. For example, a wearable device can be designed to monitor workers' movements and provide feedback on proper lifting techniques, or to track equipment usage and maintenance schedules.

The construction industry makes use of a variety of wearable technologies, including smart helmets, safety vests, smart glasses, and wrist-worn devices. Smart helmets, for example, can integrate sensors and cameras to detect and analyse potential hazards on the worksite, as well as provide real-time feedback on workers' biometric data. Safety vests can also incorporate sensors to monitor workers' movements and detect potential accidents. Smart glasses can provide workers with augmented reality (AR) displays, which can enhance productivity by providing them with real-time information and instructions. Wrist-worn devices, such as smartwatches, can also provide workers with access to data and communication tools, which can improve collaboration and efficiency on the worksite.
Chirag Yadav

Chirag Yadav

VP of Sales and Partnerships at Plutomen

Chirag brings with him 15+ Years of experience in Digital Transformation, and IT Leadership. At Plutomen, he holds deep experience in business with a track record of customer-centric approaches helping them build business transformation.

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