The Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a crucial role in reducing accidents that have been taking a toll on human lives and causing financial losses to employers, banks, and the government, according to officials in Andhra Pradesh. The state has over 26,000 major industries, of which 300 are hazardous and 30,000 are small and medium-scale industries, and has witnessed some of the worst industrial accidents in the past two and a half decades.

To prevent such accidents, the director of factories, Chandrasekhar Verma, has urged industries to adopt IoT and AI, which can not only save lives but also reduce the financial burden on industries and the government. Verma cited the example of a multinational thermal power corporation in Nellore that has introduced smart personal protective equipment for workers. The equipment comes equipped with sensors that alert the floor supervisor and other departmental heads if a worker removes their helmet. IoT-based sensors can also detect gas leaks early and monitor the well-being of workers.

While AI can help reduce accidents in the industry by providing real-time monitoring and analysis of data from various sources, predicting potential hazards, and improving safety training for employees, experts feel that risk management remains a huge challenge for employers in many industries. However, the IoT can play a crucial role in improving safety by collecting data through connected sensors that monitor everything from factory equipment to the location and well-being of the people within its sphere.