Manufacturing safety training is about to get a major upgrade. Miami University recently secured a $1.5 million grant from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to develop groundbreaking AI-powered safety training that could transform how nearly 700,000 Ohio manufacturing workers prepare for workplace hazards.
The Safety Immersion and Gamified Hazard Training (SIGHT) initiative represents a significant leap forward from traditional safety protocols, combining Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality to create personalized, accessible training modules that adapt to each worker’s specific environment and skill level.
Transforming Safety Training Through Advanced Technology
The SIGHT program addresses a critical gap in manufacturing safety training, moving beyond outdated, one-size-fits-all approaches that neglect changing workplace conditions and individual learning needs, often leading to preventable injuries. Launching this month, the innovative two-year program is a collaboration between Miami University’s Farmer School of Business and the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub in Hamilton, aiming to redefine industrial safety and competitiveness in Ohio.
Two-Pronged Approach to Safety Excellence
SIGHT delivers comprehensive safety training through two integrated platforms designed for maximum accessibility and effectiveness:
VR Training Platform: Uses generative AI to create customized hazard simulations based on each worker’s specific work environment. The system requires only a web browser with no specialized equipment, making it accessible across diverse manufacturing settings.
AR Coaching System: Leverages sensor data to provide real-time safety and productivity feedback directly in the workplace, allowing workers to receive immediate guidance as they perform their daily tasks.
Both platforms incorporate natural language interfaces, ensuring training accessibility for multilingual workers and those who are hard of hearing or have low vision.
Industry Collaboration Drives Innovation
The SIGHT initiative, in partnership with MaxByte Technologies and MeetKai, Inc., integrates AR, IoT, and AI-driven VR tools to provide real-time safety coaching and scalable training for manufacturing workers in Ohio, with plans to expand by 2028. Focused on supporting small and mid-sized companies lacking advanced safety resources, the program delivers personalized, adaptive safety training while helping workers upskill and reskill for evolving manufacturing environments. Mohammed Mayyas, chair of Engineering Technology, emphasizes its hands-on approach: “The AM Hub creates an ecosystem for refining AI-powered safety technologies in real manufacturing settings.”
Practical Implementation and Real-World Impact
Opening in January 2026, the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub will test SIGHT technologies through VR hazard simulations for Miami University and Butler Tech students, and AR-guided safety training for technicians from partners like Cincinnati Radiator. This hands-on approach ensures the technology meets real-world manufacturing needs while training safety-conscious workers for Industry 5.0.
Accelerating Innovation Partnerships in Manufacturing
Miami University’s SIGHT initiative showcases how academic institutions can use cutting-edge technology to address critical industry challenges. The program’s success highlights the importance of identifying the right industry partners, understanding specific manufacturing safety needs, and creating scalable solutions with measurable impact.
For universities seeking to accelerate their innovation partnerships and connect with industry leaders, efficient partner identification is key. FirstIgnite’s AI-powered platform simplifies this process by matching universities with relevant organizations and technology developers based on specific needs and expertise.
Ready to enhance your university’s industry partnerships? Schedule a consultation with FirstIgnite to see how our AI tools can help you connect with the right partners and drive groundbreaking research collaborations.
