Initial research focuses on enabling real-time monitoring of field technicians to ensure their safety and to provide audiovisual assistance to perform asset maintenance, with the hope of adopting lightweight yet robust wearable devices, GlobalData noted. These features of wearable technology encourage oil and gas companies to adopt helmets, smart glasses, wristbands and other devices that incorporate technologies such as wireless connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR).

Joe Speed, CTO IoT Solutions and Technology at ADLINK, a provider of leading-edge computing solutions, and Nick Fragale, founder of Rover Robotics, which develops industrial-grade robots using ROS, the robot operating system, discussed the use of AI in robotics. Companies are reluctant to use AI due to different fears.

Google Glass – and other virtual reality “wearables” are finding their place at work even if they didn’t initially succeed with consumers. A couple current uses of these virtual or “augmented” reality technologies include: Lockheed Martin using Microsoft’s $3,500 HoloLens (see video) to build spacecraft.

IBM has announced “major collaborations” with SmartCone, Guardhat, Garmin Health and Mitsufuji that will help to monitor the safety of workers in hazardous environments. The collaborations will use internet of things (IOT) technologies that have been integrated into wearables, the tech giant said in an announcement Wednesday. Workers in sectors including factories, construction and mining will use the technology, IBM added.

There are no standards in place to govern how data gleaned from wearables is used and protected, but, according to Lydia Baugh, director of external affairs at the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), that might be about to change. At its next annual meeting in November, the ISEA plans to start having discussions with its members about developing privacy and use standards — or at least guidance — for the data collected from wearables, how workers can view this information and in what ways the data can be analyzed to predict trends and patterns so as to better assist workers.

There’s a strong case to be made for wearable technology when it comes to promoting worker safety, especially in distribution and the warehouse. Continuous measurement of biometrics such as body temperature, heartrate and respiration has provided valuable new insights into human health.

Independent research firm Verdantix announced the 11 winners of the annual EHS Innovation Awards at the Verdantix Summit in Atlanta. The international awards recognize organizations which have implemented innovative EHS technologies. Winners were selected by three independent judges, including the heads of EHS at Amazon and Birla Carbon and the Director of the Campbell Institute at the National Safety Council.

Security has been the most critical issue when dealing with the development of the Internet of Things. The potential of IoT is huge and with ideas like smart cities, homes, devices etc gaining popularity, the need for a strong security system is vital.