Imagine a work environment where smart vests could communicate with aerial work platforms (AWPs) to warn operators that their harness lanyards were not connected to the anchor points. Or picture a world where smart machines were equipped with sensors can contribute to collision avoidance and detection.

The 250-strong audience at the IPAF Summit on March 26 in Washington, D.C., received a glimpse of how the technology explosion can be used to enhance safety. Keynote speaker, Frank Nerenhausen, president of JLG, showed how wearables, augmented reality, and remote operation could be harnessed in a powerful system of prevention and control.

At the same time, Nerenhausen underlined the value of human education and intervention: “Training must continue to play a prominent role as our industry advances,” he said.

During the discussion following Nerenhausen’s presentation, IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman revealed that prompted by discussions with JLG, a new category for Innovative Technology would be introduced at the next International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs), to be held with the IPAF Summit on March 17, 2016 in Madrid, Spain. Watch for event details at www.iapa-summit.info

Presentations from the IPAF Summit are available at the Resources section of www.ipaf.org.