In the past, the construction industry has been slow to adopt new technology. That trend is starting to change now withthe growth of 5G popularity which integrates more connected devices and wearable technology into the worksite. 

Armitage has recently implemented such wearable technologies together with edge computing into two construction sites located in Shanghai and Shenzhen respectively. The primary motivation behind these projects is to address this wearable technology challenge by developing a middleware application that is supported by data analytics and machine learning to assist with interpretation of wearer data and with making of site’s improvement recommendations on the go.

For the Shanghai construction site connected helmets were introduced to improve the site’s security system. BLE i-beacons were set inside each helmet and relevant data were collected in real time via NB-IoT router transceivers set-up within the work site. The sensors can send instant alerts of workers who have entered specific hazard zones. Alternatively, the data collected can provide location information of workers so managers can know where everyone is and their attendance at any given time. These resources will both improve safety on the worksite as well as achieving higher levels of efficiency.

For the Shenzhen construction site nonobtrusive sensors are enforced into the CCTVs of the work area which are connected to a router and can record and store video data in the Cloud Station. The data can help site managers to check if workers are complying to safety rules such as wearing helmets; smoking; as well as anyone who has entered restricted areas. By applying edge computing, real time notice will be sent to managing staff that can monitor the site’s daily operation efficiently. Furthermore, these devices are reusable and can easily be relocated to any different future work sites.