Implement predictive maintenance strategies aimed at preventing failures and malfunctions. In this way, it is possible to reduce serious accidents that cause injuries or deaths in various industrial sectors. In recent days, the terrible accident that caused the death of 5 workers in Casteldaccia, near Palermo, has hit the news. The integration of so-called enabling technologies, a distinctive feature of the fourth industrial revolution that the world is experiencing, not only increases efficiency, but also promotes sustainable solutions for working environments.
The use of IoT and process automation guarantee less and less involvement of people in activities dangerous to health, which is in all respects a notable advantage of this revolution. The constant interconnection between devices and the consequent exchange of information in real time can help provide workers with useful information to prevent accidents and help, when necessary, if they occur. The Internet of Things creates a systemic environment between objects, industrial processes and human beings, where information on the vital parameters of workers wearing wearable devices, the presence of dangerous areas that can only be accessed in certain safety conditions, or even a vehicle in movement, contribute substantially to safety through notification and alert systems to supervisors or safety managers so that if there is a need they can activate rescue services in the shortest possible time.
The adoption of Industry 4.0 enabling technologies in Italy shows significant diffusion, especially among large companies and particularly in some key sectors. Automotive and aerospace are among the most advanced sectors in digital transformation, thanks to their demands for stringent production times and high quality control. Differently, the system of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), even in the absence of targeted industrial and investment policies, seems to show greater resistance in the adoption of certain standards, often also subordinated to the personal perception and skills and abilities of the individual entrepreneur.
How can new technologies and artificial intelligence prevent episodes like the one in Casteldaccia from happening? Taking stock of the topic was the President of ANGI – National Association of Young Innovators who, speaking on TG1 Mattina, highlighted how “the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms can analyze data from various sources, such as previous accidents, meteorological data and environmental conditions, in real time, identifying correlations that could indicate situations of imminent danger. For example, the use of robots and drones, thanks to AI, will be able to carry out direct maintenance interventions in contexts that would be too dangerous for humans, such as pylons, overpasses, environments exposed to the risk of landslides, but also contaminated areas. Each of these applications needs to be studied and regulated, remembering the importance of data security to protect sensitive information, linked to the collection and analysis of data, necessary for the effectiveness of AI” concludes President Ferrieri.
Also of particular interest is the use of immersive experiences, virtual training and simulations powered by artificial intelligence, for example, which can become powerful tools to make worker safety training courses more efficient. These technologies feature immersive and interactive experiences that allow workers to gain practical skills in different work situations. However, without forgetting the skills gap, as it is imperative to ensure that workers are adequately trained to interact with AI technologies.
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