TECNALIA creates safer environments for the 4.0 worker with Iberdrola, Accenture, and Idom

Accenture, Iberdrola, Idom, and TECNALIA join forces in an initiative where computer vision technologies, mixed reality, and advanced interaction with geospatial data play a key role in the 4.0 worker's safety.

The four entities are working on developing computer vision algorithms that behave as smart sensors to detect and alert about the presence of people in hazardous environments. They also focus on mixed reality that allows an operator to see in real time, through different devices, virtually fenced points of risk or hazardous areas. All this is combined with geospatial data with which to interact in an ubiquitous way.

Iberdrola’s Global Smart Grid Innovation Hub

Iberdrola has a new space for development and public-private collaboration: its recently-inaugurated Global Smart Grid Innovation Hub, where the results of months of work of this collaboration were shown. The facilities, which boast 1,000 m², are located at the company’s headquarters in Larraskitu (Bizkaia). They were created with the aim of accelerating innovation and R&D and innovation that facilitate smart grids. Iberdrola’s Chairman, Ignacio Sánchez Galán, explained on October 5th that it is “a global centre of innovation and knowledge that aims to become a worldwide benchmark in smart grids, enabling to respond to the challenges of energy transition.”

Technology at the service of people in the Industry 4.0

In addition to Industry 4.0, the concept of the “4.0 worker” has arisen to refer to those people to whom technology provides value in the development of their activity, making it easier, more agile and safer.

In the case of electrical infrastructure operators, physical safety is a paramount aspect; protections such as tapes or signage are crucial. However, in this field, technology can also provide a great complementary value for the protection and safety of both individuals and the facilities alike.