Gas and oil companies are evaluating the potential benefits of deploying wearables to workers.
According to research conducted by data and analytics company GlobalData, wearable gadgets may improve the day-to-day safety and efficiency of field technicians in oilfield operations.
The wearables could help to ensure safety and provide audiovisual assistance.
The initial research conducted by GlobalData focuses on enabling real-time monitoring of field technicians to make certain of their safety and to deliver audiovisual assistance to perform asset maintenance. It is thought that this could be made possible with the adoption of robust, lightweight wearable devices.
Wearable gadgets are equipped with technology that can be highly beneficial to gas and oil companies. Smart glasses, helmets, wristbands and other hands-free devices that include technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality and wireless connectivity, can all help in bettering work efficiency and safety.
“Mobility is considered as the main driver and precursor to implementing any wearable technology in the oil and gas industry,” said GlobalData oli and gas analyst, Ravindra Puranik, reports Oil Review Middle East.
“Through different applications, wearable smart devices are expected to bring a paradigm shift in oil and gas field operations,” he added.
Wearable gadgets are also designed to provide safety to field staff via health monitoring.
In addition to the convenience they provide and the potential for improved efficiency, wearables can also provide field staff with added safety though the monitoring of their health condition. These devices can be programmed to alert the wearer about exposure to potential hazards and also provide access to live locations of workers to the onshore support team. The idea is to provide an enhanced sense of security among the workers while increasing productivity.
“Wearable devices in the oil and gas industry are made to withstand extreme temperature variations and resist oil, chemical spills, heavy rain, and dust among other things, making the working environment more secure,” Puranik stated further.
The oil and gas companies that are the leading adopters of wearable gadgets are BP and Shell, according to GlobalData’s thematic research. Additionally, many other companies are reportedly adopting wearable technologies 
into their operations. Among these companies include Eni, Saudi Aramco, Chevron, Baker Hughes, ExxonMobil, NOV, Schluberger, and Marathon Petroleum.
