Deep vision shield: assessing the use of HMD and wearable sensors in a smart safety device

Miniaturized and wearable technologies have the potential to augment human senses and capabilities when embedded into everyday objects. We investigate how such technologies can impact workers' health and safety in the energy industry through the design, prototyping and evaluation of a smart safety device. Deep Vision Shield is a protective helmet that embeds gas and noise sensors, head-mounted display and communication systems. The prototype has been evaluated through a user study involving 13 workers in the energy industry. We collected feedback about improved functionalities, user experience, and ergonomics of the proposed system, as well as the risks connected to the use of such technologies in the field of health and safety, such as overconfidence, loss of human skills, and distraction. Overall, the device was assessed very positively, although the need to balance advantages and potential risks stemming from the adoption of new technologies emerged as an essential element to consider while developing similar solutions.