Ford is looking into wearable social-distancing devices that can be deployed once the carmaker begins reopening its manufacturing facilities.
One such device is a wristband that vibrates when employees come within six feet of each other. The tech is currently being tested by a small group of volunteers at a Ford facility in Plymouth, Michigan, reports Autonews Europe.
The goal is to keep workers from breaching the distance and avoid the possible spread of the coronavirus, said Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker.
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Such wearables that promote social distancing could be part of a broader range of safety protocols deployed by Ford as early as next month, following a roughly six-week operational shutdown. Still, there’s no exact date for when production might resume.
The carmaker is also expected to utilize thermal imaging scans on workers in order to detect if they have a fever, while providing them with masks and in some cases plastic face shields, added Felker.
“Ford and the UAW are working closely to identify different ways to keep our people safe while they are at work.”
Ford has been trialing new safety procedures at plants where it is now producing ventilators and respirators for hospitals in need of supplies. Such practices, which include requiring workers to complete daily online surveys regarding their health, are expected to be rolled out within traditional car manufacturing facilities once they reopen.
Aside from ventilators, respirators and face masks, Ford is also making gowns from airbag materials.
