ENEL OPEN INNOVABILITY CHALLENGE® | Designing and developing a Smart Helmet

01/04/2021 - Enel

Challenge Expiration Date: May 26, 2021

RewardCollaboration with Enel


Abstract

Enel Global Infrastructure & Networks is searching for collaboration partners to develop a helmet able to combine all the mandatory safety requirements with the capability to accommodate an open set of sensors and wearables designed to improve safety and operation.

OVERVIEW

Operators performing work on low voltage (LV) electric systems must wear protective clothing and equipment. In particular, the helmet is designed to protect users from accidental injury caused by electrical and nonelectrical hazards. Working conditions can include high temperatures and humidity, making the helmet difficult to wear for extended periods. Recent advances in sensor technology (wearable devices) and augmented reality have made it possible for operators to work in safer conditions, and Enel has experimented with several solutions to implement those solutions for its field workers. Therefore, Enel is interested in developing a comfortable smart helmet that offers the same level of mechanical and electrical protection as a standard helmet.


This challenge provides contribution to the following sustainable development goal (SDG):

  • SDG 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
  • SDG 9: Industries, innovation and infrastructure. Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation


Meet our challenge!


Description

BACKGROUND

During live working activities on LV electrical systems, Enel distribution system operator (DSO) field workers must wear personal protective equipment including a helmet. Despite being able to respond to all mandatory safety measures, standard helmets used by field workers in the electric sector are not so comfortable when worn in particular climatic situations and for long periods of time (for examples of safety helmets currently in use, please view the attachments).

Moreover, the last few years have seen the appearance of numerous new technologies capable of increasing the safety and efficiency of work in the field. These technologies often require the integration of sensors and wearables on the helmet.


THE CHALLENGE

The development of a new working helmet will combine:

  1. All mandatory safety requirements;
  2. Capability to accommodate an open set of sensors and wearables designed to improve safety and operation [e.g. voltage detection, distance warning from not visible obstacles or vehicles on movements (both axes) or reading tags to ensure the wearing of the full set of mandatory Personal Protection Equipment];
  3. Capability to accommodate smart glasses like Vuzix Blade, Nreal, Rokid Glass 2 or simply to make the helmet comfortable during the use of these smart devices;
  4. Comfortable wearing (weight, ergonomics, temperature);
  5. Shock absorption from accidental impacts;
  6. Other relevant improvements (like implementation of smart glass in the protective visor).


Meet our challenge!


SmartHelmet_1280x799---2.jpg





Tipologia: Challenge prize

Fonte: https://openinnovability.enel.com/projects/Designing-and-developing-a-Smart-Helmet

Paese: Brasile, Messico, ITALIA, Svizzera, Spagna, Australia, Norvegia, Repubblica Ceca, India, Regno Unito, Danimarca, Cina, Germania, Cile, Sudafrica, Serbia, Francia, Finlandia, Austria, Giappone, Vietnam, Federazione Russa, Paesi Bassi, Egitto, Argentina, Singapore, Malesia, Lituania, Svezia, Israele, Canada, Corea del Sud, Stati Uniti d'America, Belgio

SSD: 01 - Scienze matematiche e informatiche, 02 - Scienze fisiche, 03 - Scienze chimiche, 04 - Scienze della terra, 05 - Scienze biologiche, 06 - Scienze mediche, 07 - Scienze agrarie e veterinarie, 08 - Ingegneria civile e Architettura, 09 - Ingegneria industriale e dell'informazione, 10 - Scienze dell'antichità, filologico-letterarie e storico-artistiche, 11 - Scienze storiche, filosofiche, pedagogiche e psicologiche, 12 - Scienze giuridiche, 13 - Scienze economiche e statistiche, 14 - Scienze politiche e sociali