By Graham Sharp, Managing Director at Health and Safety consultancy, Stanley
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) wearable technologies into the UK health sector, offers tremendous potential for change.
We can already see the benefits that these technologies have brought to a range of job roles in the United States and in Europe, where the AI wearable device market is growing rapidly.
The key to this game changing technology, lies in the detailed data that the devices can collect from the wearer via sensors on the body, which include information on task movements relating to specific activities.
It is this detailed information which can be used to identify risky movements, change behaviours, and avoid injuries in the workplace.
How does the technology work?
In the UK, AI solutions such as the
The successful trial shows how effectively an exoskeleton suit can support the demands of a long surgical procedure and the team at Harefield plan further trials of the technology.
Exoskeleton technology has also been used with success in a care home setting trial, providing support to carers who are required to lift and move patients on a regular basis.
This can often result in back pain and injury, particularly for older carers.
Case study 2: using exoskeleton technology in a care home setting
Clarendon House Care Home in Coventry contacted Stanley because it was looking for potential solutions to improve the health and safety of its care workers and help prevent injury.
Many of the care team at Clarendon House had been working in the industry for an average of eight years and often complained of lower back pain.
Several care workers took part in a successful trial of exoskeleton suits.
The WearHealth exoskeleton scanning technology was used to help match the most appropriate exoskeleton suit to the physical task carried out by the carer and to ensure that it could assist in the usual daily tasks without the wearer finding it cumbersome or inhibiting in any way.
Sensor analysis allowed Stanley’s health and safety consultant and the care home management team to view the before and after impact using data that was generated from wearing the suit and sensors.
At the end of a two-week trial, the results showed that workers felt significantly less tired while wearing the suit and no injuries were reported in the trial period.
Care home Team Leader Agoritsa Karagiampa commented: “After a while, it felt like I wasn’t even wearing the exoskeleton suit as it allowed me to confidently lift and move patients, knowing that I had the extra back support.
“It was easily adjustable, and I would love to be able to continue wearing the suit at work.”
The team at Stanley are now working with Clarendon House to introduce a wider implementation programme and rollout of the technology.
Return on investment
AI-enabled technologies are already reshaping workplaces across the UK, and their presence is set to expand across a wide range of sectors.
This is especially true for roles that involve repetitive physical tasks—such as lifting, reaching, bending, and stretching—which carry a higher risk of accidents and injuries.
Encouragingly, early implementations are delivering strong results, as the examples above illustrate. We are well on our way to building safer, healthier, and more satisfied workforces, while also unlocking greater productivity and efficiency for organisations that are embracing this transformation.
Graham Sharp is Managing Director of Health and Safety experts, Stanley who work with businesses to transform workplace safety, reduce manual handling injuries, improve efficiencies and reduce costs by matching them with the most effective solutions in AI data driven wearable safety technology.
