How voice recognition software assistive technology improves safety

The use of voice recognition software assistive technology has been amplified in recent years, with the onset of COVID-19 and the need for contactless professional communication.

Being able to complete work tasks hands-free reduces the risk of contamination and infection, as well as helping workers to continue with manual tasks without having to stop and physically interact with a device.

Voice recognition technology isn’t a new development, and has gradually integrated into people’s daily lives — with voice-activated assistance and voice-to-text widely available on consumer devices.

As people become more familiar with voice recognition technology in their personal lives, businesses are seeing the potential for advantages in the workplace. Those that are implementing voice recognition technology are experiencing increased flexibility, accessibility and productivity. Just as importantly, voice recognition technology promotes safety in real-world, rugged industries.

Organisations looking to improve safety appreciate the fact that voice recognition assistive technology reduces risk. For example, it means workers can focus on the machine or equipment they’re working with without taking their eyes off it to enter information into a device. There are seven key industries where these safety benefits are apparent:

Emergency services

When emergency responders are attending to calls, they need to convey a huge amount of information. Voice recognition technology allows them to verbally describe details of the incident, while continuing with critical care of the patient who demands their physical attention. Using voice recognition technology enables them to continue lifesaving measures such as intubation or CPR.

First responders can also use automatic speech recognition (ASR) software to positively detect strokes in patients. This means responders can diagnose patients sooner and get them the lifesaving care they need in a situation where every minute counts.

Public safety

Law enforcement officers often spend a significant portion of their shift writing reports on incidents and their responses. Using voice recognition enables officers to instantly record the details of any incident, improving the accuracy of police reports and requiring less time to complete them. This means officers can get back in the field sooner and help more people.

The speech-enabled platform can be further integrated to aid dispatch and records management. This technology lowers the administrative burden on officers and dispatchers alike and saves the cost of employing a third-party transcriber.

Industrial manufacturing

Voice recognition tools aid in improving productivity and safety within industrial manufacturing. They do this by letting workers navigate complex troubleshooting challenges and modify programming or robotic control algorithms, without having to stop what they’re doing and manually interface with the device. This makes the workplace safer, since workers can keep their eyes on potentially dangerous machinery and equipment while dictating requirements into the device.

Voice recognition can also help improve safety by reducing the risk of errors. Manual transcribing or entering data into a log or machine leaves potential for typos, which could cause machines to operate outside their safety parameters, for example. Providing those instructions verbally leaves less room for error and keeps machines operating as they should.

Utilities

Voice recognition software streamlines operations and improves customer experience by alerting utility providers with instant updates on service interruptions and onsite safety issues. For example, this allows field workers to navigate freely on the utility pole while accessing the information they need via voice commands. Hands-on workers can easily perform their tasks hands-free while still having quick access to key information.

Transport and logistics

Long-haul fleet delivery drivers benefit from voice recognition as it allows drivers to enquire about weather conditions or directions without touching the device, and while maintaining their concentration on the road.

Automotive

Voice recognition software supports automotive technicians by providing them with a platform to voice any questions through a rugged device while in the middle of a repair, without interruptions.

Oil and gas

Voice recognition technology can be used to enhance machine control to understand and conduct verbal commands, removing the requirement for technicians to be physically present in high-risk areas. Field workers can also use voice technology to call for help and limit the need to physically dial emergency calls.

The use of voice recognition software assistive technology has expanded due to the COVID-19 pandemic requiring contactless professional communication. Additionally, Internet of Things (IoT) applications have further driven voice recognition to become a transformative tool in many industries, particularity rugged industries.

By letting workers use their voice instead of their hands, especially when conducting delicate or dangerous operations, voice recognition can deliver improved accuracy, speed and safety. Combining voice recognition technology with rugged devices lets field workers get on with essential tasks without compromising their safety or their efficiency.

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