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Hitachi
Research & Development

Sensor-glove solution “FREEDi” to digitalize subtle fingertip actions

Contributing to preventing manufacturing defects by real-time detection of operational anomalies using fingertip pressure and changes in environmental sound

March 4, 2020

Hitachi, Ltd. has developed a sensor-glove solution "FREEDi" for manual tasks such as assembly or inspection in manufacturing environments. FREEDi enables operational errors to be detected and work records to be shared remotely by collecting sensor data such as fingertip pressure and sounds when workers handle items. The glove with built-in sensors visualizes fingertip pressure, hand actions and sounds in real time. The sensor data is then analyzed with a machine-learning-based algorithm. A smartphone application receives the data to display approval/disapproval of the hand action. As a result, human errors such as omission or incorrect order of steps in the production line can be detected and corrected immediately, contributing to the prevention of manufacturing defects (Fig. 1).
Hitachi plans to further enhance the solution "FREEDi" with higher sensor data accuracy and by adding other sensing techniques such as a wearable camera to meet the various needs of customers, as well as realize a factory IoT solution that integrates all records from the shop floor.


Fig.1 Overview of sensor glove solution “FREEDi”

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