Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a groundbreaking technology transforming many industries worldwide. It's a set of technologies with various perceptions; on the one hand, many believe it to be beneficial, while others see it as a threat.
Being at the forefront of pursuit in Industry 4.0., many companies in the manufacturing industry are implementing AI Technologies to enhance quality, efficiency and worker safety. Combined with tighter occupational health and safety regulations in these work environments, companies, Governments, and firms increasingly invest heavily in AI-driven technologies.
In this article, we will dive into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) impacts workers' safety in the manufacturing industry and factory work environments.
Table Of Contents:
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Worker Safety
- How Artificial Intelligence is enhancing worker safety in manufacturing and factory environments
- Artificial Intelligence enhancing worker safety protocols (with examples)
- Case Study - Linfox
- Future Trends
- Machine Guarding In AI-Driven Environments
- Final Thoughts
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Worker Safety
"Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly contribute to creating safer work environments, particularly in industries that involve hazardous or physically demanding tasks." - Daniel Bossard, LinkedIn.
SafeWork NSW reports that employees in the manufacturing industry have a higher risk of experiencing workplace accidents compared to those in other industries, with a likelihood that is double.
Although workplace incidents still occur in the manufacturing industry, Artificial Intelligence has significantly improved worker safety and reduced fatal injuries.
AI technology is improving. This will allow workers in the manufacturing industry to enhance their skills in using AI systems and technology for monitoring and analysis tasks. It also allows workers to focus on addressing complicated safety challenges while automating repetitive and manual tasks.
How Artificial Intelligence is enhancing worker safety in manufacturing and factory environments
Predictive Maintenance of machinery and equipment
In the manufacturing industry today, Artificial Intelligence can identify when equipment and machinery are at risk of malfunctions or failures in real-time before they occur.
Manufacturer companies and workers can access this data through constant monitoring; they can not only prevent breakdowns but also avoid serious accidents caused by malfunctioning machines.
Wearable Sensors
Wearable IoT-enabled sensors can monitor factory machinery and minimise the potential risks of serious worker injury. These AI-based sensors can monitor workers' heart rate and temperature, even alerting them to hazardous situations.
Due to the global impacts of climate change, monitoring employee temperature will become increasingly important in factories and similar environments. Worker safety is essential in these work environments, where there is the potential for heat strains and other related injuries.
Process Optimisation
Artificial Intelligence helps to prevent dangerous tasks that workers would have had to do manually in the past. In Industry 4.0, Al-powered systems can do hazardous operations; meanwhile, workers can focus on less physically risky and potentially draining activities.
This could involve limiting a worker's exposure to loud environments, unwieldy machinery, and psychically risky activities in the manufacturing industry.
Additionally, this helps to improve worker safety, avoiding activities that impact worker over-exertion or risk of being struck by trucks and equipment.
Examples of Artificial Intelligence being used to enhance worker safety protocols
Virtual Training
With tighter health and safety codes, many companies adopt virtual training tools to simulate real-world scenarios. Companies in the manufacturing industry in high-risk industries have found valuable tools such as virtual reality (VR) to be a more engaging way to enhance accident prevention. Unlike the traditional Word document or PowerPoint presentation, it offers a cost-effective, retentive learning experience.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) inspection drones
Manufacturers increasingly use AI Drones to inspect inventory product stability when stacked in a warehouse. Combined with monitoring for safety compliance and hazardous environments. Honeywell is an industry leader in various Ad-powered autonomous drone solutions for inventory and warehouse inspection.
They are renowned for incorporating drones with computer vision and machine learning, capable of navigating complex environments and analysing stacked product stability and conditions.
Predictive Maintenance and Risk Monitoring
Modern Al-driven safety monitoring systems have the ability to analyse patterns and data to predict potential equipment failures or safety risks before they occur.
They can create detailed simulations of electrical systems and optimise response plans without any real-world dangers.
Case Study - Linfox
Another example of Artificial Intelligence being used to enhance factory machinery and worker safety is the Australian logistics company Linfox. This company employs AI-powered solutions through its CCTV infrastructure to improve safety and security in its operations.
Linfox's Regional Director of Security, Safety, and Compliance LIG, Mark Rowley, stated that Linfox "harnessed innovation to create a workplace where accidents are minimised [whilst also prioritising] pedestrian safety."
For example, Linfox's AI-powered MHE proximity alert system detects when equipment is within three metres of a person, it prompts a series of alerts. They also detect mobile phone usage on the facility floor to prevent distractions.
Linfox's AI CCTV infrastructure has helped Linfox to achieve its commitment to best practices, with Linfox claiming that as a result, they have "recorded several onsite safety incidents which were quickly reported."
Linfox's adoption of Artificial Intelligence has significantly enhanced its worker safety measures, security protocols, and operational efficiency.
What are the future trends of AI in the manufacturing industry?Enter heading here...
The answer to this question covers three topics:
- Ethical considerations when using AI (Artificial Intelligence)
- Artificial Intelligence for workplace safety
- Manufacturing Tools for AI Safety
The future of Artificial Intelligence in manufacturing safety includes:
- More advanced predictive Maintenance.
- Smarter wearable technology.
- Further integration of AI in training and process optimisation.
Additionally, AI will continue to evolve as a collaborative tool, augmenting human capabilities and allowing workers to focus on more complex, less hazardous tasks. The ongoing development of AI ethics and regulations will also be crucial in ensuring safe and responsible AI use in the industry.
In Australia, the Australian Government has actively supported the adoption of AI in the manufacturing industry through multiple initiatives.
This includes the National Intelligence Centre, the Next Generation Graduate Program (CSIRO), and the AI Adoption Program. They have also worked on the development of 'Australia's AI ethics principles' that work to achieve better outcomes, reduce risks, and maintain ethical standards.
Machine Guarding In AI-Driven Environments
A way that has proven to be an effective safeguard in environments where AI-driven technology and machinery are being used. In highly automated environments, where AI-driven systems control machinery, these guards act as a critical line of defense, minimizing risks during human-machine interactions.
Ultimately, combining machine guarding with AI technology ensures a safer, more efficient workplace, especially in industries where advanced machinery is used.
Barrier Group recommends its range of machinery guarding products to help workplaces protect their employees:
Final Thoughts - Artificial Intelligence and Worker Safety in the Manufacturing Industry
In conclusion, Artificial Intelligence (AI) significantly transforms factory machinery and manufacturing processes to improve workers' safety and efficiency. Understanding how companies can best implement AI technologies such as machine learning, robotics, and computer vision enables proactive Maintenance, enhanced quality control, and increased automation.
AI enhances worker safety by predicting equipment failures, optimising processes, and creating safer work environments. Technologies like wearable sensors, virtual training, and AI inspection drones contribute to accident prevention and risk mitigation.
Companies like Linfox are already leveraging AI to improve their manufacturing processes, product quality, and worker safety. These real-world applications demonstrate the tangible benefits of AI integration in industrial settings.
Looking ahead, the future of Artificial Intelligence in the manufacturing industry and worker safety is promising. As AI continues to evolve, it will likely serve as a collaborative ally, augmenting human capabilities and allowing workers to focus on more complex, safer tasks.
However, challenges such as data privacy and potential job displacement will need to be addressed.
Barrier Group offers FREE workplace safety assessments, providing valuable site and installation advice tailored to your requirements. Where there are automated machines, AI or robotics, adequate safety solutions must be considered.