Smartwatches and fitness bracelets are everywhere and it’s no longer that shocking to see someone wearing a smart ring or even AR glasses. Wearables are everywhere in 2022, for leisure use that is. Seeing wearables for professionals, that actually boost productivity is unfortunately a lot rarer. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t exist, here are 6 wearables and their role in the workplace.
Exoskeletons
It might sound like something out of a science fiction movie but it’s actually not. In 2022 there are functioning exoskeletons, or exosuits, on the market. These wearables are designed for workers that need to perform a lot of heavy lifting in their everyday job. There are several solutions, everything from high-tech robot suits to lightweight, completely engine-free versions. The end goal is the same, reduce the strain from heavy lifting and prevent injuries.
Logistics ScanPrinter
Unlike the other wearables for professionals on this list, there is only one available product that can perform this task. The SP500X ScanPrinter is a unique wearable solution for logistics and package handling. Mounted on the back of the user’s hand, it scans barcodes for information about the item’s next stop and then prints the information directly onto the package. It also instantly updates the backend system so you can easily track the item’s location, a superb tool for sorting and package handling.
Smart hardhats
The smart hardhat is a wearable for professionals that can be loaded with a bunch of different functionality. Some are fitted with RTK technology that tracks the exact position of the worker. This is not meant for intrusive micro-management, it’s designed to automatically warn the employee when he walks into a dangerous area. A great tool for increasing safety when working close to dangerous areas like train tracks. Like many other wearables, they also offer health tracking for heart rate and so on.
Ring scanners
A rather simple but effective wearable. Instead of a regular scanner that ties up one of your hands, you simply wear a superlight ring. It makes aiming intuitive and above all frees up both hands to handle the items being scanned. The ring scanners are connected to a nearby tablet or computer to keep the backend updated. One such ring, the RS60 Ring Scanner, gives you up to a 100-meter range on the BlueTooth connection, real mobility.
Smart glasses
Of course, there are use cases for the often talked about AR glasses in professional use as well. Things like live-streaming video calls or receiving instructions in the glasses while performing maintenance are very helpful. But there is a wide range of other solutions as well. One of them is designed to help drivers stay awake behind the wheel. Optalerts smart glasses are designed to track the eye movement of the driver and alert them when they start getting drowsy. It warns them even before they fall asleep.
Ergonomic sensors
Another wearable solution for safeguarding employees’ long-term health. These sensors come in several different forms, one solution is a simple box that is clipped onto the worker’s belt. The sensors can track where heavy lifts occur and the data can be used to implement smarter solutions. The ergonomic sensor can also sense if a worker is performing a lift in a non-ergonomic way and alert them to it.
Wearables for professionals are growing quickly
The market for wearables in industrial and professional use is predicted to grow from 1,1 billion dollars in 2019 to 8,6 billion in 2024. That’s a crazy growth curve and for good reasons. When applied correctly these tools can have a huge impact on productivity.
