POSCO Develops World's First 'Smart Safety Ball'... Preventing Confined Space Safety Accidents

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] POSCO has succeeded in developing the world's first 'Smart Safety Ball.'

The Smart Safety Ball is a tool that can detect the presence of harmful gases in confined spaces in advance. Before work or maintenance, the Smart Safety Ball is first thrown into the space to immediately measure gas concentrations, greatly helping to prevent safety accidents. Previously, gas measurement in confined spaces required drawing gas through a long tube or direct measurement with a portable detector.

POSCO began developing the Smart Safety Ball in 2018, and after producing two prototypes and conducting performance tests in various confined spaces within the steelworks, it made improvements and succeeded in producing a commercial product last month. POSCO plans to first pilot the Smart Safety Ball in some departments, complete legal certification within the first half of the year, and then distribute it to all related factories within the steelworks.

The Smart Safety Ball has a diameter of 60mm and weighs 100g, similar in size to a tennis ball. It can detect concentrations of three gases: oxygen (O₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). The measured values can be checked in real time via a dedicated app on smartphones or tablet PCs, and if dangerous levels are detected, messages and location information are sent to pre-registered colleagues and managers.

On flat ground without obstacles, the communication range of the Smart Safety Ball is up to 100m, and even in obstructed or confined spaces, reliable measurements are possible within about 30m. It operates continuously for two years on a built-in battery and features dustproof and waterproof functions. Additionally, it incorporates a roly-poly design with a weighted bottom to ensure the sensor always faces upward. The Smart Safety Ball contains a magnet, allowing it to be used as a fixed internal detector during work, and it can be equipped with a string for easy retrieval.

POSCO, which holds the patent and design rights, jointly developed the Smart Safety Ball with Handong Global University and Nodtox Co., Ltd. Handong Global University developed the wireless communication technology, while Nodtox handled commercial contract manufacturing. After the technology’s effectiveness is proven, POSCO plans to actively share the technology and application cases not only with the local community but also with related industries as part of its corporate citizenship management philosophy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.