New Flanders Make technology helps companies get back to work safely

Weaving machine manufacturer Picanol tests social distancing devices on the shop floor

Research center Flanders Make presents 3 new technological solutions that allow companies to protect their employees and visitors from COVID-19 contamination. These are 1 device that screens body temperature and 2 systems that help people keep at least 1.5m distance. These solutions can be used in combination or separately, depending on the needs of the company. Flanders Make has been applying them itself for a while and is now offering them to companies. Weaving machine manufacturer Picanol was very quickly actively involved and is currently testing one of the social distancing systems in its factory in Ypres, now with 8 and from next week with 80 employees.

"Flanders Make supports companies with technological research and innovation. To get through this difficult period, our top researchers have developed new technical solutions at very short notice to help companies continue their production and other activities as quickly and as safely as possible. This is how we want to give our industry and our economy a positive boost," said Urbain Vandeurzen, president of Flanders Make.

How do these new temperature screening and social distancing systems work in practice?

Dirk Torfs, CEO of Flanders Make: "To begin with, you screen everyone who comes in immediately for body temperature with our system based on infrared measurements. When in doubt, you use a thermometer and only let in those with a healthy body temperature. Large groups can be screened quickly this way, respecting social distancing. In this way you lower the chances of sick people being present in your company. This system can also come in handy in the retail sector and in public buildings.

Once inside, every employee with a job that requires a great deal of attention to social distancing wears a device around the neck that emits an audible signal as soon as someone gets too close. This new device is thus close to the mouth, the ideal starting point for measuring distance. This also allows operators in production to work safely. This device helps employees to immediately correct their behavior and remain attentive.

In places where many people congregate, such as an entrance hall or refectory, place our system of cameras, which also generates an audible signal when they get too close. The camera images are not recorded and people are not recognizable in the image, so privacy laws are perfectly respected. So it can also be used more widely, for example in the hospitality industry."

Successful first tests in production at Picanol

Geert Ostyn, VP Weaving Machines at Picanol and Vice President of Flanders Make: "Picanol was quickly involved in the development of the social distancing devices and the evaluation of the technology on the shop floor. We are currently testing this system in Ypres with 8 operators who wear the device around their necks. If they get too close, they immediately hear a signal to distance themselves. If the evaluation is positive, we want to expand to 80 employees next week. The easy-to-install system requires no fixed infrastructure, works completely locally, and it respects employees' privacy. This is a great example of rapid development of a research center that can be deployed in companies in the near future."

Flanders Make is currently identifying the specific needs of interested companies and consulting with potential producers of the various systems. This with a view to introducing and supporting our industry as quickly as possible.

Hilde Crevits, Flemish Minister of Innovation concludes, "With the help of research and innovation, companies can be supported to safely return to work after the corona crisis. Our Flemish manufacturing industry has been working hard during the crisis to come up with solutions and tools to combat corona. With systems to screen temperature and measure distance, the necessary safety can be guaranteed. This shows once again that our Flemish researchers and scientists have a lot of expertise. And as minister of science and innovation, I can only be extremely proud of that."