Every year over 340 million workers suffer a workplace injury such as slips and falls, strains and sprains, vehicle collisions and crashes. In the US, manufacturing, logistics, and physical operations are the lifeblood of the economy, with over 25 million individuals at the frontlines, contributing to 40% of the nation’s GDP. However, with massive output comes the persistent challenge of workplace injuries and operational inefficiencies.
Now, artificial intelligence is revolutionising the field of environment, health and safety (EHS) in industrial operations. California-based Voxel, an AI startup offers such a solution. It uses computer vision to transform safety and operations in the workplace.
Raises $12M funding
In a recent development, Voxel has picked up an additional $12 million strategic funding led by global manufacturing industry leader Rite-Hite, with participation from existing investors Eclipse Ventures (which invested in Forsight Robotics and Decentriq) and Mtech. With this round, the total funding raised by the company to date accounts for $30 million.
The investment will be used to improve workplace safety and save lives.
Alex Senemar, CEO and co-founder of Voxel commented: “AI is saving lives. We’ve proven that our technology has made great strides toward reducing injuries and saving lives. Our approach is going to create worksites where employers don’t have to bargain between meeting safety standards and meeting their productivity goals. The future of work is not just about doing more, but doing it safer in an environment fit for purpose”.
Micaela Bomhack, CEO at Rite-Hite commented: “Rite-Hite is on a mission to improve industrial safety, security and productivity worldwide through quality and innovation. We’ve seen first-hand the impact Voxel’s technology has had on workers and workplaces and are excited to continue paving the path for future workplace safety with the Voxel team.”
AI to save lives of industrial workers
Voxel was founded by Alex Senemar, Anurag Kanungo, Harishma Dayanidhi, and Troy Carlson in 2020. Voxel integrates state-of-the-art computer vision technology into existing security cameras to identify hazards, risky behaviours, and operational inefficiencies across a diverse range of workplaces.
Once potential risks, such as near-miss vehicle collisions, blocked exits, improper ergonomics, or spills, are identified, a real-time alert is sent to on-site personnel who can take immediate action, and Voxel’s analytics help sites identify operational inefficiencies and design policies to prevent future issues. These proactive measures allow businesses to significantly reduce worker’s compensation and general liability costs, while improving their operations.
To protect workers’ privacy, Voxel’s AI ethics policy means that no facial recognition or identification of individuals is permitted in their systems. Voxel provides its customers with resources for ethically and responsibly implementing AI in the workplace crafted after years of experience developing AI for America’s industrial leaders
It reported up to an 80% reduction in workplace injuries and substantially improving operational efficiency. Fortune 500 firms like Michael’s, Dollar Tree, Clorox, PPG Industries, Office Depot, and many others are already seeing the benefits of Voxel’s platform.
