Wearables have reached the point that they have become quite familiar with smartphones. In the construction industry, intelligent wearables are still in the nascent phase. However, experts believe that the construction world would slowly be able to adapt to this development.
Today, we cannot live without our smartphones, and it’s one of the few devices used on the construction site. For workers, what they’re most familiar with would be the ruggedized version of these devices that are shock-resistant and have been rated to be safe for the environment.
To give you a better idea of what you can expect, here’s what the future of wearables in the construction industry.
Smart Vests
This is probably the newest innovative technology in the construction industry. A safety vest nowadays is equipped with sensors that could monitor not only the environment but even the changes happening in the wearer, such as body temperature.
It also features emergency buttons, as well as built-in alert systems to ensure safety. Although this is relatively new in the construction industry, there’s no denying that smart vests offer a wide range of benefits for the construction workers.
Smart Glasses
This wearable technology allows the worker to record videos and receive instructions from there. That means both workers and construction managers will be able to work on the site, in real time.
Smart Helmets
Unlike traditional hard hats, intelligent helmets are way better because it protects the wearer to the next level. It has remarkable features, like fall impact detection and it can also send emergency alerts, as well as video recording.
Augmented Reality
Aside from smart glasses, augmented reality is another emerging technology that you should look forward to. With AR, workers, builders, and project owners would have the ability to visualize the construction project through 3d better and have a clearer understanding of the 2D blueprints.
Two kinds of glasses are entering the construction scene. One of them showcases the worker’s field of view with AR, while the other one doesn’t have AR, but produces a heads-up display of the worker’s field of view. Both of which has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
It’s also worth noting that augmented reality glasses could play a vital role in letting the workers receive comprehensive construction specs that would lessen the possibilities of committing mistakes.
Exoskeletons
There are a lot of benefits that you can enjoy from using exoskeleton technology. One of which is that it could effectively reduce the amount of strain on workers’ bodies, which would lessen the risks of serious injuries, or overuse their bodies while handling manual tasks.
Experts have also been developing exoskeletons that would increase the productivity on the job site by up to 3%. This can be pretty helpful because there would be instances where the workers would feel tired and have to take short breaks every few minutes– the reason it usually takes several months before a project gets completed.
Furthermore, it’s also worth noting that exoskeletons are capable of lifting as much as 35 pounds, and this makes big tools, such as rotary hammers and rivet busters feel light, and it also reduces the risks of injuries and tear.
Benefits of Wearable Technology
To understand the benefits brought by wearables in the construction industry, allow us to discuss how they’re changing how the construction industry functions.
Streamlined Data Collection Processing
The problem with manual headcounts is that they are prone to error, and can be time-consuming. On the other hand, with instant data collection, project managers can spend their time focusing on the area that needs attention. This results in more efficient project management, and an improvement in job site safety as well.
Improved Safety
Perhaps, one of the most significant benefits that wearables bring to the construction site is a remarkable improvement in safety. Wearable devices are often worn, and this allows constant connection to those who are in charge.
During the accident, wearable technologies could save lives as it would alert the workers, and the project managers right away. With GPS technology, it has become possible to know the exact location for the respondents to act quickly.
Final Words
Indeed, we are progressing every year, and the world is not the same as it used to be. There has been a lot of technological innovations in the past, and the construction industry is one of the few sectors that are experiencing this change. Hopefully, with wearable technology, these tools won’t only attract new workers, but can also make life easier for everyone.