In order to significantly reduce the risk of accidents in construction sites, Sharing Worker have implemented a solution using ultra wideband (UWB) wireless technology to create a ‘security bubble’ around dangerous vehicles.
Even if construction sites are well managed, there remain significant risks. There are always blind spots around vehicles, and often a lot of noise, meaning a worker on foot might not hear an approaching or reversing vehicle. Accidents are expensive for the construction firm, and of course could lead to long term disability or worse for the worker.
The UWB technology addresses this by being able to measure distance precisely between a worker and a vehicle, and thus alert the driver if a person is too close to the vehicle.
This system, called ‘Flash Protec’ has units (Gyros) mounted in the vehicles, whilst the workers around them (or site visitors) wear a bracelet. The bracelet uses UWB technology, which provides the most accurate distance measurement, to provide real-time alerts to the worker if a vehicle is approaching in the form of a vibration. The driver of the vehicle is also alerted, with the security distance being a programmable parameter.
The bracelet can work for over a week without needing to be recharged by using intelligent power management techniques.
“We chose the ISP3080-UX as it contained nearly all the elements we needed for our standalone devices (UWB radio, BLE radio and accelerometer, and onboard microprocessor) in a miniature package, enabling an easily wearable solution. Our innovative solutions set us apart in a connected PPE market in which various approaches exist,” said Florent Bonneau from Sharing Worker.
The ISP3080-UX contains a Qorvo UWB transceiver, and BLE radio with integrated microprocessor from Nordic Semiconductor, with integrated antennas for both radios.
“This is a great application of UWB technology. We are please to see our module used in a way that can prevent accidents and potentially even save lives,” said Nick Wood, Sales and Marketing Director, Insight SIP.
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