HPE rolls out AI-based sensor tech to help firms return to work

HPE has developed a new range of technology-based return-to-work solutions designed to control the spread of infectious viruses such as COVID-19.

The new solutions include social distance tracing and tracking, touchless entry, fever detection, augmented reality and visual remote guidance, and workplace alerts and information sharing.

The solutions are implemented and managed through HPE Pointnext Technology Services, Aruba's AI-powered network infrastructure, HPE servers, and technologies from the company's partner ecosystem such as RealNetworks and Venzo Secure.

According to the company, its five new solutions assist organisations with the next phase of pandemic recovery as employees return to their workplaces.

HPE vice president of IoT and intelligent edge services, Saadat Malik, says, "Since the COVID-19 outbreak, our customers have turned to HPE to help them adapt to unique challenges presented by the pandemic to maintain business continuity. We have been there for them throughout these difficult times, on everything from supporting a transition to a remote workforce with our comprehensive virtual desktop interface (VDI) solutions, to now helping them return back to work and to a new normal.

Malik adds that the solutions build on a differentiated, long term workplace digitisation strategy.

HPE explains the new solutions:

• Social distance tracing and tracking – Helping employers monitor and implement social distance guidelines. Use cases include alerting employees through Bluetooth-enabled devices if they are too close to one another for an extended period of time, or leveraging video analytics to determine face mask usage in required areas.
   
• Touchless entry – Using a hygienic approach for employees to securely and smoothly enter a location without touching door handles and other points of entry. The solution uses facial recognition for contactless access, multi-factor access-control and identity verification.
   
• Fever detection – Identifying individuals with elevated body temperatures using thermal cameras, machine learning and video analytics to proactively alert employees and staff to keep workers safe and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
   
• Augmented reality - visual remote guidance – Allows on-site employees to collaborate effectively with remote employees to take on complex maintenance operations remotely. By offering digitised 3D visuals of a system or machine, a remote employee can identify a problem, such as a broken gas or water valve on a factory floor, to request necessary and timely repairs. 
   
• Workplace alerts - information sharing – Helps employers share workplace information and push location-specific alerts to employees, using apps and dashboards. Employees gain real-time alerts, specific to their exact location in a building, on any changes or updates occurring onsite as companies transition to normal activity.

The new return-to-work solutions will be available worldwide, including Australia and New Zealand.