At Miami University, we are excited to share our vision for a groundbreaking safety training solution called SIGHT (Safety Immersion and Gamified Hazard Training). We’ve recently submitted this proposal to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s Workforce Safety Innovation Center (WSIC) grant program. If funded, SIGHT would combine artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality to transform how workers learn to identify and respond to hazards in the manufacturing workplace.
The Challenge We Hope to Address
Traditional safety training in manufacturing typically follows a one-size-fits-all approach limited to initial onboarding. This method does not adapt to evolving workplace hazards or individual learning needs, leaving workers vulnerable to preventable injuries like cuts, lacerations, and crush injuries. Small and medium-sized manufacturers face additional challenges as they often lack dedicated safety professionals to deliver comprehensive, ongoing training.
Our Proposed Solution: The SIGHT ECOSYSTEM
If funded, SIGHT would introduce two innovative approaches:
- Dynamic, Web-Based VR Training: An AI-powered virtual reality platform creating personalized, gamified training scenarios that adapt to each worker’s skill level and specific workplace environment. Available through any web browser without specialized equipment, this platform would make advanced safety training accessible to manufacturers of all sizes.
- Real-Time AR Safety Coaching: An augmented reality system overlaying safety guidance directly onto actual equipment, providing immediate feedback as workers perform tasks. By integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors with machine learning algorithms, this system would deliver contextual guidance, enhancing both safety and productivity.
The proposed SIGHT system would be designed to learn and adapt. Workers could upload photos of their specific equipment, and the AI system would generate customized training scenarios and safety protocols tailored to their workplace. The system would evolve based on user performance, ensuring training remains challenging, engaging, and relevant.
Who Would Benefit
If awarded funding, SIGHT would serve a broad audience across Ohio’s manufacturing ecosystem:
- Current industry professionals would gain access to cutting-edge safety training that adapts to their level of experience.
- Future workers at educational institutions like Miami University and Butler Tech would receive immersive training, bridging classroom concepts with real-world conditions.
- Small and medium-sized manufacturers could provide enterprise-quality safety training without significant investment in infrastructure or expertise.
Our Proposed Timeline and Vision
Our proposal outlines a two-year development plan with a rigorous, five-phase approach. We’ve established partnerships with industry leaders, including MaxByte Technologies, MeetKai, and Cincinnati Radiator, to ensure that our solution addresses real-world manufacturing challenges.
Our vision extends beyond technology development; we aim to foster a proactive safety culture that reduces workplace injuries while enhancing operational efficiency. By democratizing access to advanced safety training, we hope to help ensure that workers across Ohio’s manufacturing sector return home safely every day.