More than 2 billion frontline workers support our planet, including delivery drivers, mechanics, construction workers, and service technicians. Their work is labor-intensive and physically dangerous, often requiring them to work 10- to 12-hour shifts in all types of environments. Our frontline workers risk their lives to maintain our infrastructure and keep the global economy running.
There are many technologies that can improve these physically demanding jobs, but one of the most exciting developments is artificial intelligence (AI). While most discussions about AI are about “inside the office” information operations, AI can help transform front-line work. Rather than replacing jobs, they can make jobs better and safer. We know it because it has already happened. Here’s how:
Making non-carpeted workplaces safer
In total, nearly 1 million manufacturing injuries and truck accidents occur in the United States each year. Even more alarming, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the number of traffic fatalities in the United States increased by more than 16% in 2021, while the number decreased by more than 12% in 34 other developed and less developed countries. That’s true.
Mitigating risks for frontline workers while traveling is critical. AI helps organizations create a safer work environment by reducing the possibility of human error.
Driver fatigue is the root cause of nearly half of trucking accidents in the United States where commercial drivers are at fault. Preventive AI technology can recognize when a driver is falling asleep and provide real-time warnings, making the difference between parents getting home safely to their families.
AI can also detect risky behaviors such as cell phone use, not wearing seatbelts, and aggressive driving. This technology detects these behaviors faster and initiates training and reminders to keep drivers safe. AI can also give supervisors visibility into driver performance, better understand areas for corrective action and training, and improve the accuracy of incident reporting. AI technology doesn’t just save lives; It can also reduce preventable accident costs and extend the life of your vehicle.
DHL, the world leader in logistics, has seen this improvement. By using AI-powered technology, the DHL supply chain experienced a 26% reduction in incidents, which translated into a 49% reduction in incident-related costs. This technology has also improved driver retention, helping DHL cut its driver turnover rate in half.
Diversifying the front-line talent pool
Many organizations struggle to recruit qualified people to operate their machines, and ongoing labor shortages limit the pool of skilled workers available.
AI and remote operations technologies will expand access to jobs to people with different physical abilities and geographic locations, making these jobs more accessible and attractive to more people. , which can expand the hiring reach of frontline teams.
ConGlobal, one of the largest transportation support companies in the United States, uses technology that allows employees to remotely operate, assist, and monitor vehicles from thousands of miles away. Instead of operating heavy machinery in the heat of the 110-degree Texas sun, you can work in a climate-controlled office. AI is also helping ConGlobal improve safety by removing workers at risk and allowing employees to easily complete tasks physically from computer screens around the world. Masu.
Although humans are central to these positions, they do not have to be present in a physical environment that poses unnecessary risks. The combination of AI and remote operations allows organizations like ConGlobal to hire from a more diverse talent pool, removing barriers to employment. People who may not have previously been considered for the position or this type of job themselves may now become top candidates.
This is seen in the broader physical operations ecosystem as well. Polymath Robotics, one of our Samsara Ventures portfolio companies, is also focused on leveraging AI to enable remote control of off-road vehicles anywhere in the world. Workers can now perform difficult and dangerous jobs, such as operating heavy machinery on farms or in remote quarries, from carpeted offices close to home without putting their lives at risk. I did. These workers can safely finish their jobs and go home to their kids’ soccer games.
AI is not replacing blue-collar jobs. It creates better work, safer conditions and more flexibility. Technological revolutions such as AI will make the physical operations industry as we know it even better.
To see how tens of thousands of organizations across a wide range of industries are making their operations smarter, visit: samsara.com.
Sanjit Biswas CEO and co-founder of samsara.
