[Integration] MIT tries to improve industrial security with Internet of Things and wearable devices

In the wearable field, the conventional forms of wristbands and watches have long been known, and there seems to be no breakthrough in innovation. According to a forecast report from Gartner, global shipments of smart clothing in 2016 will exceed 26 million wrist wearables and become the largest category of wearable devices. Just want to say one thing, watch, bracelets are good to go.

Recently, MIT launched a study to develop the Internet of Things prototype Saftey++ using wearable technology and the Internet of Things, in an attempt to enhance industrial security. Saftey++ prototype test results are good. Future insurance companies, government regulatory agencies, and occupational safety and health personnel will encourage workers to wear safety devices.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed the Internet of Things (IoT) prototype Saftey++, specifically wearable technology and the Internet of Things. According to NetworkWorld, the MIT DesignLab cross-platform team, led by MIT MediaLab researcher Guillermo Berner, is trying to improve industrial security with IoT and wearable devices.

The study was conducted in the energy industry as a background and tested at the refinery of the Italian energy giant EniSpA Group. While visiting refinery managers and workers, it also recorded videos of manufacturing sites for research. Based on the results of the research, the prototype Saftey++ was designed to avoid the following Four risks.

The first is contact with chemical and physical substances, which is one of the most common hazards in the energy industry. Followed by personal injury, the energy industry often requires workers to independently monitor the vast area, in the event of accidents or heart attacks, because of loss of consciousness and unable to help. The third is falling from a height, which accounts for 4 out of 7 deaths from the European oil refining industry. The fourth is heavy lifting. Workers may be injured because they overestimate themselves or confirm errors.

A prototype of a wearable vest for workers developed by MIT has built-in sensors for breathing, heartbeat, and skin resisitivity (GSR), among which GSR can measure emotional state. This vest contains 16 tactile devices, which together with these sensors are connected to a 32-bit ARM processor, which connects the vest to the outer jacket.

The jacket is equipped with environmental sensors that measure air quality, noise levels, smoke and harmful substances in the air. Workers and plant managers are notified when danger is found.

Working shoes built-in stress sensors can monitor the workers' gravity load. Once the gravity load exceeds the worker's tolerance range, the work shoes will continue to vibrate until the normal load is restored, and nearby workers will also find that the colleagues need assistance. The IoT system also includes a safety ring to protect workers at heights, built-in wireless modules and pressure sensors.

After wearing this vest, workers will keep in touch with colleagues and factory managers through the ZigBee network. Biosensors are individually transmitted and analyzed to assess the worker’s state of life. The jacket will issue an early warning of damage and monitor the entire work environment at any time. The built-in pressure sensor in the safety ring ensures that the safety ring can connect workers at any time. The altimeter and positioning sensors monitor whether workers have climbed dangerously high.

The MIT Saftey++ prototype test results are good. Future insurance companies, government regulatory agencies, and occupational safety and health personnel will encourage workers to wear safety devices. These devices will hopefully combine this prototype concept to create a safer working environment.