Co-developed with Samsung: A Digital PPE Based on Galaxy Watch
Leading Safety Paradigm Shift in Response to Heat-Related Illnesses
As South Korea braces for a summer of record-breaking heatwaves, SB Systems--a pioneer in IoT-based smart safety--is drawing industry attention with an integrated solution designed to monitor worker health and prevent accidents such as heatstroke and falls in real time.
SB Systems announced on May 25 that it is accelerating the deployment of “WithSafe,” a smart safety management platform that integrates Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Watch with its proprietary Watch Business Management System (WBMS). Far more than a simple biometric monitor, the company defines WithSafe as a “digital hard hat” for the wrist--an essential piece of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the digital age.
Traditional heat stress alerts rely on regional weather data or on-site WBGT (Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature) readings, often broadcasting generic warnings to all workers via smartphone. This method fails to account for microclimate variances across different work zones. In contrast, WithSafe utilizes localized environment sensors to measure real-time perceived temperatures. When thresholds are exceeded, targeted alerts are sent exclusively to the smartwatches of workers entering high-risk areas, such as confined spaces or zones with direct sunlight.
Operating on commercial LTE networks, WithSafe enables data-driven prediction and real-time response nationwide without the need for additional infrastructure construction. In a world-first, the system uses the smartwatch as a gateway to sync with peripheral safety gear, such as smart safety hooks and portable gas detectors for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). If a gas leak is detected or a safety hook remains unfastened, immediate alerts are dispatched to both the control room and nearby colleagues to secure the “golden time” for emergency response.
The company's technical prowess is backed by a strategic partnership with Samsung Electronics. Since 2018, SB Systems has collaborated closely with the tech giant, becoming Asia's first “Global Wearable Solution Tier-1 Partner” for Samsung in 2023. Furthermore, SB Systems' WBMS and software technology have been adopted as core internal solutions for Samsung's next-generation “SmartThings Pro Safety” platform.
Security is also a top priority, meeting the stringent standards of public institutions and major corporations. Utilizing Samsung Knox MDM, the watches are restricted to professional use only. To safeguard sensitive biometric and location data, the system employs KCMVP-verified encryption and CC-certified cloud infrastructure. Private LTE (P-LTE) and on-premise server configurations are also available for organizations requiring maximum data isolation.
“Our goal is to change the reality where over 500 workers fail to return home each year due to industrial accidents,” said Kim Sang-bok, CEO of SB Systems. “WithSafe will be the ultimate partner for companies looking to minimize the risk of serious disasters, protect skilled labor, and improve their ESG performance.”
