Industrial IoT: Empowering Safer Workforces Through Smart Connectivity

By Mikael Schachne, CMO & VP Mobility & IoT Business at BICS

“The robots will steal our jobs!” is a familiar refrain amid the growing adoption of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), artificial intelligence, and automation. Yet, according to Mikael Schachne, these technologies are not about displacement—they’re about transformation and safety.

Recent data from The Internet of Manufacturing show that half of all production processes now leverage IoT, and a striking 86% of manufacturers have already embraced IIoT solutions. Yet many industrial players—especially in automotive, logistics, and heavy manufacturing—still lack deep connectivity expertise. For them, a simple, turnkey solution to set up and manage connectivity is essential to unlock IIoT’s full potential.

Manufacturers adopt IIoT for clear operational gains: automation, efficiency, and richer data analytics that drive process improvements. Workers, however, may see fewer immediate benefits. In a climate of job‑security fears, it is vital to highlight how IIoT directly enhances workforce wellbeing.

Safety is a primary beneficiary. The U.S. National Safety Council reports that a worker is injured every seven seconds, costing the economy 103 million lost production days in 2018 alone. The top three injury causes are overexertion, contact with objects or equipment, and slips, trips, and falls—most of which are preventable with smart technology.

Robots That Augment Human Motion

German Bionic recently introduced the world’s first connected exoskeleton, the Cray X, designed to support and amplify a wearer’s lifting motions. IoT‑enabled sensors embedded in the suit transmit real‑time data to factory systems and analytics platforms. Machine‑learning algorithms then personalize the exoskeleton’s assistance to each user’s movement patterns.

Beyond individual safety, the data gathered allows plant managers to assess lifting behaviours across teams, identify risk hotspots, and implement targeted ergonomic interventions. With the World Health Organization ranking musculoskeletal disorders as the leading cause of disability worldwide, such interventions could improve the health of millions of workers.

Sensors That Keep Workers Safe

As IBM highlights, “IoT excels at keeping an eye on things; collecting data via connected sensors that help us understand our working environment.” In practice, factory‑floor sensors can monitor exposure to heat, humidity, and other harsh conditions. Real‑time alerts notify workers of imminent hazards, while automated emergency protocols can dispatch assistance immediately after an incident.

Unlocking Value Through Connectivity

These are just a few examples of how IIoT enhances worker safety. As the ecosystem matures, we can expect further breakthroughs in robotics, wearables, and smart facility design—benefiting both businesses and their employees.

Telecom operators also stand to gain new revenue streams by provisioning the reliable, secure connectivity that powers IIoT. Secure, seamless, and easily managed connectivity is the backbone of any IIoT deployment, enabling sensors on any asset to remain connected regardless of location. By partnering with connectivity providers, even the most traditional industrial firms can reap the benefits of a modern, safe, and productive workforce.

When business gains and employee safety converge, IIoT strategies reach their full potential, driving productivity, reducing injury risk, and fostering a happier workplace.

The author is Mikael Schachne, CMO and VP Mobility and IoT Business at BICS.