Intelligent helmets in use in China

Intelligent safety helmets are being used on railway construction sites in Hubei province in central China.

According to a report from China Daily, the new helmets are equipped with a high-definition camera, a communication antenna and a control chip.

Developed by Wuhan Electrification Bureau Group, the helmets can shoot video, record the construction work and sound safety alarms. In addition to protecting the wearer’s head, it is said the technology can be used to pass on vital construction site information.

An integrated safety management system collects the information gathered by the helmets and makes it accessible via an app.

It’s anticipated that the new technology could have uses in a number of construction industry sectors. Technology firm Trimble has also been developing headgear that can be fit onto a standard hard hat. This technology allows the wearer to see augmented reality overlays on construction sites.