The global smart PPE technology market size is projected to reach USD 7.70 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.9% during the forecast period.
Growing utilization of Industry 4.0 technologies in developing personal protective equipment (PPE) will be a game-changer for this market, finds Fortune Business Insights™ in its report, titled “Smart PPE Technology Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Smart Safety Gloves, Smart Shoes, Smart Eyewear, Smart Protective Clothing, Smart Ear Muffs/Plugs, Smart Respirator, Others), By Application (Healthcare & Medical, Fitness & Wellness, Infotainment, Industrial, Military, Others), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027”.
Worker safety
To enhance the safety of workers laboring in hazardous environments, manufacturers are rapidly adopting smart PPE technologies, powered by Industry 4.0 tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT).
Daqri Smart Helmet that uses AR to improve the safety of workers by providing real-time information
For example, wearable sensors based on industrial IoT can help managers identify aberrant worker behavior such as entry into dangerous work environments that can prove detrimental for the worker. A prominent example in this context is the Daqri Smart Helmet that uses augmented reality (AR) to improve the safety of workers by providing real-time information about the surroundings and boosting the efficiency of industrial operations.
Another example is Honeywell’s Safety Suite software that allows manufacturers to make a comprehensive assessment of the safety standards across facilities. The integration of smart technologies in PPE is, thus, aiding the progress of this market.
Highlights of the report
As per the report, the value of the global market stood at USD 2.41 billion in 2019. The main highlights of the report include:
- Actionable insights into the factors driving and restraining the market
- Detailed examination of the market segments
- Granular study of the regional dynamics shaping the market
- Thorough evaluation of the key market players and their dominant strategies
Increasing Adoption of Smart Wearable Devices
Smart helmets were distributed among healthcare workers with thermo-scan sensors to check body temperature
The havoc wreaked by the coronavirus pandemic outbreak has forced frontline workers to wear smart devices such as smart helmets and smartwatches to screen and detect potentially infected people.
For example, in China, Shenzhen-based tech company Kuang-Chi developed smart helmets for police officers to enable to automatically identify a person’s elevated temperature from a 5-meter distance. Similarly, smart helmets were distributed among healthcare workers in Mumbai, India in July 2020 that were equipped with thermo-scan sensors to check body temperature during door-to-door screening drives amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the UAE, too, specialist police teams wore smart helmets with thermal scanners to screen people at the Sharjah International Book Fair in November 2020. These helmets not only ensure quick detection of infection in people but also protect frontline workers from catching the infection from patients.
Stringent Regulation of Workplace Safety
At USD 889.9 million, North America dominated the smart PPE technology market share in 2019 and is expected to retain its apex position during the forecast period. The primary reason behind the region’s commanding hold in the market is the implementation of stringent regulations governing workers’ safety, especially in hazardous work environments.
Factories and manufacturing units in the region are also speedily deploying advanced PPE technologies among workers, which is further fueling the regional market.
The market in Europe is making steady progress as governments across the European Union are aggressively promoting the integration of smart technologies with PPE wearable devices. In the Asia Pacific, on the other hand, rapid industrialization in China and India is anticipated to generate enormous business opportunities for market players in the forthcoming years.
Smart PPE technology market growth is receiving an upward thrust from the increasing number of alliances
Key Players to Forge Alliances to Gain Prominence
The smart PPE technology market growth is receiving an upward thrust from the increasing number of alliances being forged by key players in this market. These partnerships are empowering companies to expand their market presence, diversify their offerings, and strengthen their global operations.
Industry Developments:
- November 2019: Ansell Limited collaborated with ProGlove to engineer technology-based hand protection solutions to ensure adequate PPE compliance at the workplace. The partnership with highlights Ansell’s innovations in industrial IoT to create safe work environments.
- September 2019: Vuzix Corporation introduced the Vuzix Blade Smart Glasses as certified PPE in the US and the European Union. Priced at USD 999, the smart glass product will enhance Vuzix’s position as a leading provider of smart glasses and augmented reality technologies in the PPE domain.
List of Key Companies Profiled in this Smart PPE Technology Market
- Karmor Co., Ltd. (Ningbo, China)
- Corvex Connected Worker (Minnesota, United States)
- Vuzix Corporation (New York, United States)
- Seebo Interactive LTD. (California, United States)
- uvex Group (Fürth, Germany)
- Honeywell International Inc. (North Carolina, United States)
- Ansell Ltd. (Richmond, Australia)
- Ergodyne Corporation (Minnesota, United States)
- Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA (Lübeck, Germany)
- DAQRI (California, United States)
- MCR Safety (Fürth, Germany)
- Intellinium (d'Azur, France)
- DuPont de Nemours Inc. (Delaware, United States)
- 3M Company (Minnesota, United States)