Wearables and Hands-Free Solutions
Tags: Labor Management, Technology, Warehousing
From devices that detect unsafe postures to an exosuit that assists with lifing tasks, these wearables and hands-free solutions increase safety and productivity in warehouses.
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- Apex Exosuit: This 3-pound suit from HeroWear takes 75 pounds of strain off workers’ backs every time they lift an object. It supports and assists the lower-back muscles primarily involved in repetitive lifting and bending activities. With no motors or batteries, the wearable device is non-powered, relying on an elastic assistance that does not need to be recharged each work day.
- Rufus Labs WorkHero: This productivity-as-a-service solution includes workforce analytics software, wearable technology, and support. The wearable barcode scanner is modular, allowing warehouse workers to choose their ergonomic preference by sliding the scanning module into a ring, glove, or palm scanner attachment.
- Honeywell 8675i: This compact wearable scanner from Honeywell can read even damaged or low-quality barcodes. Featuring FlexRange technology, it provides expanded scan distance, offering an alternative to bulkier handheld devices. The scanner has been optimized for ergonomics: height off of the finger has been minimized and user-contact surfaces are designed for comfort and easy adjustment.
- Kinetic Reflex: The wearable Kinetic Reflex device reduces the incidence of workplace injuries by automatically detecting unsafe postures and providing workers with real-time feedback whenever a high-risk motion occurs. Over time, workers can use Reflex to improve their biomechanics, resulting in fewer injuries. Safety managers can view risk data in the Kinetic dashboard.
- Zebra WS50: The new WS50 is Zebra’s first all-in-one Android-based wearable computer, offering data capture capabilities and an integrated speaker and microphone. It includes a small display, WiFi, and an imager or camera, supporting hands-free workflows, such as picking, sorting, loading, and put away. The WS50 wearable computer offers the option of three different wearable styles including back of the hand, wrist, or on the fingers.
- Handheld SP500X: The new Handheld SP500X ScanPrinter is designed to streamline package handling. Using the mobile scan-and-print device, workers can scan barcodes, send the information and receive instructions via WiFi, and print directly on packages in seconds. Lightweight and low-profile, the device can handle high volumes and varying package sizes.
- ProGlove LEO: At 1.23 ounces, ProGlove’s LEO is a hands-free barcode scanner that handles up to 4,000 scans per battery charge and loads within one hour. LEO (which stands for lightweight, expenses eliminated, over-the-air updates) can process 1D and 2D barcodes between a range of 6 inches to 2.3 feet and can connect to Insight, ProGlove’s industry analytics solution.
- StrongArm Flex: The clip-on IoT wearable device from StrongArm provides real-time feedback to help keep warehouse workers safer. Flex features light, sound, and haptic (vibration) alerts to let workers know how they are doing in real time to reduce ergonomic strain and musculoskeletal injuries. As part of the SafeWork system, the sensor also collects data that provides insights to supervisors.