Chirag Yadav

Chirag Yadav

April 6, 2023 9 minutes to read

Future of Wearable Technology in Construction

Future of Wearable Technology in Construction

The use of wearable technology in construction industry is a prime example of how the application of technology can enhance the safety of workers. 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 analyse and improve.

As technology continues to improve, we can expect even more exciting new trends in the construction industry. Imagine a future where buildings can adapt to their surroundings, change and change to suit our environment. Imagine a construction site where machines work independently, communicating with each other in real time to maximize efficiency and safety.

Let’s take an in-depth look at why and how the industry is utilizing the technology presently.

Why is the construction industry using wearable technology?

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. 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. In conclusion, 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.

Why invest in wearable technology?

Enhanced Safety

Safety is a top priority in the construction industry, and wearable technology can significantly improve it. Smart wearables can monitor workers’ vital signs, detect fatigue or stress, and alert them in real-time if they are in potentially hazardous situations. This can help prevent accidents, reduce injuries, and even save lives on construction sites.

Operational Efficiency and Resource Optimization

Wearable devices can provide real-time insights into worker activities and equipment usage. By analyzing this data, companies can identify inefficiencies in their operations, optimize resource allocation, and reduce wastage of time, materials, and equipment. This streamlined approach can lead to cost savings by making construction processes more efficient.

Increased Productivity

Wearable devices can streamline various tasks, providing workers with quick access to information and data. For instance, smart glasses can display blueprints, schematics, and instructions, allowing workers to access critical information hands-free while working. This can lead to improved efficiency, reduced errors, and faster completion of tasks.

Real-time Data Collection

Wearable technology enables the collection of real-time data related to workers’ activities, equipment usage, and job progress. This data can be analyzed to identify inefficiencies, optimize processes, and make informed decisions to enhance overall productivity and project management.

Training and Skill Development

Wearable devices can serve as valuable training tools for new employees. They can offer augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) simulations, providing immersive, hands-on training experiences. This can help new workers gain skills more quickly and effectively, reducing the learning curve and ensuring higher-quality work.

Employee Health and Well-being

Construction work can be physically demanding, leading to potential health issues for workers. Wearable technology can monitor physical exertion, posture, and other health metrics, alerting workers to potential strain and providing feedback to prevent chronic health problems. Companies investing in workers’ well-being are likely to experience higher job satisfaction and retention rates.

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 analyse 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 advantageous in the 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 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 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 are devices that can analyse 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 analyse data from the construction site, which is essential to preventing accidents and improving overall safety.

List of Wearable devices in Construction Industry

Smart Boots

Smart boots are cutting-edge wearable devices designed for construction workers, equipped with GPS tracking, biometric sensors, and inertial measurement units (IMUs). These boots enhance worker safety by monitoring real-time location, vital signs, and ergonomic risks, while also detecting impacts or falls to enable prompt assistance during accidents.

Smart Helmets

Smart helmets are equipped with sensors, cameras, and communication capabilities. They provide real-time data on workers’ locations, activities, and vital signs. The integrated camera can capture images and videos, enabling remote viewing for supervisors and assisting in on-site inspections. Some smart helmets also feature augmented reality (AR) displays to overlay essential information such as blueprints and safety guidelines directly onto the worker’s field of view.

Smart Glasses

Smart glasses, also known as augmented reality (AR) glasses, provide a hands-free display of digital information, allowing workers to access instructions, design plans, and data without the need for paper or other devices. Smart glasses can enhance productivity by offering real-time visual guidance and reducing the need to switch between physical documents and tools.

Smart Safety Vests

Smart safety vests are equipped with sensors that monitor workers’ vital signs and movement patterns. They can detect potential dangers such as slips, trips, and falls, and issue alerts in case of emergencies. These vests may also have built-in GPS, allowing supervisors to track workers’ locations and ensure their safety in real-time.

Health and Wellness Trackers

Health and wellness trackers are wearable devices that construction workers can use to monitor their physical activity, heart rate, sleep patterns, and overall health. By encouraging a healthier lifestyle and providing early warnings for potential health issues, these trackers can contribute to increased well-being and reduced sick leaves, benefiting both workers and employers.

Future ahead…

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.

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FAQs

Wearable technology benefits the construction industry by enhancing safety, improving efficiency, enabling accurate communication, attracting young workers, and advancing resource management.

Commonly used wearable technology in construction includes smart boots, helmets, glasses, exoskeletons, and health trackers, each offering various features to enhance worker safety and productivity.

Yes, wearable technology can improve productivity in construction by streamlining tasks, optimizing resource allocation, and providing real-time data for informed decision-making, ultimately reducing downtime and delays.

Examples of wearable technology used on construction sites include smart helmets with AR displays, smart safety vests with biometric sensors, and health trackers to monitor worker well-being. These wearables provide real-time information, safety alerts, and improve communication among workers and supervisors.
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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