News

Innovation that protects workers

DATE:
April 21, 2025
READING TIME:
10min

How we helped a global safety gear leader enhance factory worker protection through smart connectivity and mobile integration.

About the Client

With a legacy spanning more than 120 years, this Swedish-based market leader in personal protective equipment (PPE) has remained at the forefront of safety innovation. With approximately 200 employees spread across Europe, the company is driven by a singular mission: to ensure better safety for people working in industrial and manufacturing environments.

The Challenge

The client had invested in developing a hearing protection headset equipped with advanced smart features. However, previous attempts by various software vendors to enable a reliable mobile connection via Bluetooth consistently fell short. Users experienced unstable connections, limited compatibility across devices, and an inability to utilize core headset features effectively—compromising both user experience and worker safety.

Our Approach

Our team was brought in to redesign and rebuild the mobile ecosystem for the smart headset from the ground up—with a focus on stability, scalability, and seamless user interaction across devices and platforms.

The Solution

Embedded System Development

We engineered a new firmware platform supporting six different headset versions, enabling:

  • Reliable Bluetooth communication with Android and iOS devices
  • Compatibility across diverse mobile chipsets
  • Smooth background communication without user interruptions

Mobile Application Overhaul

We rebuilt the mobile application using Flutter for cross-platform optimization. Key elements included:

  • A modular backend architecture enabling future device integration and feature expansion
  • Multiple headset functionalities including:
    • Push-to-talk (Walkie-talkie)
    • Music streaming & Equalizer settings
    • Active noise cancelation
    • Noise measurement & reporting
    • Device locator
    • Built-in radio

This comprehensive feature set helps factory workers stay safe, connected, and informed—without needing to remove or replace their protective gear.

Team Structure

To deliver on this complex integration, we deployed a focused, cross-functional team:

  • 1 Business Analyst – user stories, requirements, and validation
  • 1 Embedded/IoT Developer – headset firmware and Bluetooth protocol
  • 1 Backend Developer – Firebase-based backend services
  • 1 Mobile Developer – Flutter-based cross-platform app
  • 1 QA Engineer – rigorous testing for reliability and safety compliance
  • 1 Project Manager – agile delivery and stakeholder coordination

Technology Stack

  • Mobile Development: Flutter (optimized for Android and iOS)
  • Backend: Firebase Cloud
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) integration
  • Embedded Systems: Custom firmware development for headset communication

Results and what’s next?

With our solution now live, the client has seen:

  • Significant improvement in Bluetooth connection reliability
  • Wider mobile device compatibility
  • Positive feedback from field users reporting greater ease of use and enhanced functionality

As new devices enter the product line, our modular architecture ensures the client is well-prepared for rapid scalability and future innovation.

By combining smart device integration with user-focused design, we’ve helped modernize safety gear for industrial workers—bringing 120+ years of expertise into the digital age.

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