Safe manufacturing work
Workplace safety, accident prevention and workers’ health are not the first thoughts that come to mind when we hear the term Industry 4.0.
But that is going to change with digitalization. Sensors will prevent many types of accidents, and if a mishap does occur, cameras will quickly identify the injured worker. Smart systems can also give workers a heads-up when their posture, technique or fatigue is putting them at risk of a musculoskeletal problem. And strength-boosting exoskeletons can help workers in situations where they cannot adjust their posture or technique, for example, when working overhead.
Heads up: Accident! (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Heads up: Accident!
Help needs to come in a hurry if you’ve had an accident. A smart camera system sends in the responders. It detects when someone hits the deck, and sounds the alarm after five seconds.
Rapid
response
Rarely are there so many people to be found in a factory as in this staged scenario. Some warehouses are practically devoid of human life, so it may be hours before an injured person is found. Automatic accident detection solves that problem.
Optical scanning (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Optical scanning
The camera system constantly scans the human body’s axes and registers when a person is lying on the ground.
Gentle giant (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Gentle
giant
This
robot lifts heavy metal parts onto a workbench. An optical system makes sure
it does not injure people in the process. The robot slows down when a person
approaches and stops when they come near.
Big help (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Big help
The robot is easily programmed with this tablet.
People first (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
People first
The optical monitoring system divides the space around the robot into two danger zones. The robot slows down when a human enters the outer zone. It stops when the danger gets acute.
Wie gefährlich sind Roboter?Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Hazard
averted
Heads up or thumb’s off! A sensor in the glove prevents accidents. It detects when a hand gets too close to the saw blade and stops the machine.
Hazard averted (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
A finger guardian
One false move could cost a finger. Gloves with integrated sensors prevent that.
Proper form and technique (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Proper form and technique
Working overhead like this gentleman can be a health risk, especially if you make a wrong move. Body sensors track movements and sound the alarm if a joint is subjected to too much stress.
Better safe than sorry (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Better safe than sorry
Four cameras watch over this ‘wired’ woman. An app shows if a joint is subjected to undue strain on the job that could pose a long-term risk of musculoskeletal damage.
A
sharp-dressed strongman
The Exo-Jacket’s small electric motors enhance arm strength. Lifting and working overhead is a lot easier with this exoskeleton.
Iron-ish Man (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Iron-ish Man
This strength-booster doesn’t aim to turn workers into superheroes; it merely goes to make routine and strenuous chores easier.
No load too heavy (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
No load too heavy
Hauling cases is a piece of cake with reinforced arms.
Break time (2017)Federal Ministry of Education and Research
Break time
The Exo-Jacket makes a quick meal of work, but you don’t need it to enjoy a meal.
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung
Projektträger Karlsruhe PTKA
Fraunhofer IAO
Fraunhofer IPA
Universität Stuttgart IFF
Universität Stuttgart IAT
