There is no denying that technology is responsible for many of the last century’s significant advancements. Technology has improved virtually every facet of human life, from business to entertainment, and its applications are seemingly endless. According to Ask Wonder, about 492,550 tech companies in America offer a wide range of services to local and international clients alike. Personal, workplace and public safety are some of the main areas technological advancements have significantly improved. Here’s how technology is being leveraged to boost safety.
- Multi-access edge computing (MEC) and 5G for actionable public surveillance
It is common knowledge that emergency responders are only as effective as the information they work with. Safety is incredibly difficult to ensure without accurate data about the situation at hand or the emergency’s location. Thankfully, MEC and 5G are revolutionizing public safety to keep citizens better protected. MEC is a relatively new way of operating in the cloud that shifts computing functions closer to the user. Since first responders need quick and seamless communication and feedback, it is incredibly helpful when combined with 5G for public safety. Both technologies have real-time analytics, video surveillance, supersonic speed, and facial and image recognition. Combined with artificial intelligence, they allow for timely responses to safety concerns at the scenes. Therefore, setting off safety systems, sounding alarms, and locking doors can all occur long before first responders arrive on the scene.
- Intelligent traffic management systems for better traffic control
Some time ago, managing a busy intersection involved nothing more than swinging a traffic safety baton. However, more vehicles are on the road than ever before, necessitating smarter systems to manage traffic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that a car accident happens every 60 seconds in America. That’s why companies such as AM Signal are developing intelligent traffic systems that rely on data from interconnected CCTV cameras, traffic lights systems, and other road infrastructure and predictive analysis to coordinate traffic across cities and make them safer for motorists and pedestrians alike.
- Wearables for monitoring
Many wearable technologies on the market are being used to reduce the frequency and severity of injuries. Indeed, environmental monitoring wearables can alert you of hazardous air quality and temperature changes that are health risks or could cause injuries. Wearables for physiological monitoring also track key metrics like respiration, temperature, and heart rate to determine whether people are tired or stressed. Furthermore, proximity detection wearables are embedded in vital personal protective equipment like hardhats to stop workers from getting too close to certain equipment or entering dangerous zones.
- 3D visualization for accuracy
Industries that rely on proximity, such as mining, need their employees to work in remote locations, exposing them to bigger hazards. However, these businesses are diminishing these risks by leveraging 3D visualization technology, so keep this in mind. This technology allows mining companies to create digital simulations of their work environments. This way, they can identify possible dangers in advance and adopt the best safety practices to avoid them.
