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Buzzing Wristbands Will Help Ford Workers Keep Their Distance

Apr. 17, 2020 9:25 AM ET by Karl Furlong COVID-19 / 7 Comments The bands vibrate when you get within six feet of someone else. Ford is turning to technology in its attempt to safeguard workers from the coronavirus pandemic. The preemptive measure - Ford hasn't yet reopened its manufacturing plants - involves a small number of volunteers trialing a wristband that vibrates when they get within six feet of each other. According to the CDC, staying six feet away from other people is necessary for successful social distancing. According to the Bloomberg report, the volunteers are testing the technology at one of Ford's factories in Plymouth, Michigan, where the likes of the Ford Ranger is built. Kelli Felker, a spokeswoman for Ford, explained that the wearable band is one of several safety measures that will be put in place by the automaker following the shutdown. Workers will also have to undergo a thermal-imaging scan before entering factories to detect high body temperature. Ford Ford Ford These safety protocols are being put into place in collaboration with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. "Ford and the UAW are working closely to identify different ways to keep our people safe while they are at work," explained Felker. These safety measures are being tested at the same factories where Ford is producing ventilators in an effort to assist hospitals with the treatment of patients suffering from Covid-19. Although Ford hasn't yet set a specific date for when it will resume production, there is the possibility that this could happen in May after a shutdown that has lasted for well over a month. Ford Ford Ford While the wristbands are a novel idea, it remains to be seen whether they can prove effective within the confines of a production facility, where narrow hallways and other areas will make it difficult to keep one's distance from fellow employees. We can also imagine a constantly buzzing wristband being an annoyance for workers trying to complete their tasks. Still, it's better than nothing, and should Ford resume operations next month, every safety measure that is practical should be introduced to minimize the risk of infection. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is also targeting a reopening of its facilities next month, with similar safety measures being put into place. However, with the progression of the pandemic unknown in hard-hit North America, automobile manufacturers like Ford and FCA remain at the mercy of government restrictions. Ford Ford Ford Source Credits: Bloomberg

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Ford Ranger Karl Furlong Senior Editor Sweaty-palmed hot laps are fun, but Karl is a gearhead cut from a different cloth - or is that finely stitched Nappa leather? An E23 BMW 7 Series was the first car he fell madly in love with three decades ago, and this affection for Autobahn-conquering luxury sedans has persisted. Following studies in copywriting and journalism, along with stints in TV scriptwriting and marketing that had far too little to do with cars, Karl kept the fire burning by writing for automotive websites on the side, including a Florida-based auto repair shop and another for Porsche enthusiasts. It all came together when he joined CarBuzz in 2019. He has penned some of the latest news, reviews, and features ever since. Contact Karl @FuelAffection LoginSign Up Home News Features Car Reviews Car Advice 2021 CarBuzz Awards New Cars Used Cars Future Cars Compare Cars Sell My Car Car Dealerships Buy Here Pay Here Used Car Reviews Popular Tags Cars # Video # TOP # Spy Shots # Reveal # Rumor # Auto Show # Supercar # Tuning # Car Culture # Industry News # Motorsport Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Make Acura Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Bollinger Bugatti Buick Cadillac Caterham Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ferrari Fiat Fisker Ford Genesis GMC Hennessey Honda Hyundai Infiniti Jaguar Jeep Karma Kia Koenigsegg Lamborghini Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Lordstown Lotus Lucid Motors Maserati Mazda McLaren Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Pagani Polestar Porsche Ram Rimac Rivian Rolls-Royce Spyker Subaru Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo By Car Type SUVs Crossovers Sedans Coupes Trucks Sports Cars Wagons Vans Hatchbacks Convertibles Small Cars Luxury Cars Electric Cars Hybrid Cars Future Cars By Price Up to $15K $15K - $25K $25K - $35K $35K - $45K $45K - $55K $55K - $75K $75K - $100K $100K - $200K $200K - $300K Above $300K Back To Top